Echium pininana |
Native Region: Canary Islands
Zone Range: 09-10
Preferred Climate: Subtropical
Harvest Date: Tuesday 23 September, 2008
Seed count: 30-40
Description:
While superlatives are easily bandied about these days, this is nonetheless a plant that warrants the term magnificent. Growing up to 4m (12ft) in height this giant biennial commands attention. With thousands of small flowers in shades of sky blue to rose produced throughout the summer of its second year, there are few plants that can compare.
Notes:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant.
Cultivation:
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in the spring. Germinate at 21ºC (70ºF) then grow on at slightly cooler temperatures. When seedlings have 6 + true leaves and night temperatures do not fall below 10ºC (50ºF) it is time to carefully plant them in their final growing position. These plants resent root disturbance of any kind, so slip them out of their pots gently - DO NOT break up the root-ball. Plant them in a sunny position where they will be able to grow and form a rosette of leaves up to 3ft. in diameter the first year, then grow to full size the second year. Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun. They also do not like winter wet and are not very frost hardy.
|
