SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow and lightly press in.
Seed To Bloom:
10-12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost into a seed-starting mix, with a light cover of vermiculite to maintain humidity around the seed. Keep at 68-70°F until germination is complete, then grow on at 55-60°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Not recommended.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In springtime, after frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
The species Limonium is native to the dry Mediterranean region, where it is perennial. Long wands of fuzzy looking flowers emerge from the robust basal foliage in summer. Trim off any flowering stems that shoot up as the plant establishes roots in the garden, so rooting is prioritized. Does not perform as well in warmer, high-humidity areas. Most valuable in a cutting garden, harvested as a filler for fresh or dry flower bouquets, or grown with other sun-loving flowers in the cottage garden. Cut for bouquets, or deadhead once the flowers start to brown, for continued bloom.
Watering Details:
Water until well-established, then water deeply but infrequently during prolonged dry weather, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid saturated, poorly drained soils.
Fertilizer:
Apply 1-2" of compost to poor soils; adaptable to varying soil fertilities as long as they are well-drained. Salt-tolerant, making them a good choice for seaside areas.
Diseases & Pests:
Crown or root rots can be avoided by spacing plants apart in well-drained, even, sandy soil. Water in the morning, only if needed, allowing the foliage to dry before night.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when flowers are bright and fully opened and before they start to fade.