Cephalaria gigantea seeds – (Giant Pincushion Flower)

Description

This plant is best placed at the back of the border as it grows to approx 1.5metres. However it doesn’t take up much  room as the flowers and leaves are compact and airy. The flowers are large and resemble scabiosa or pin cushion flowers . They are a pretty creamy light yellow. It makes an excellent cut flower.

Sowing advice

Sow in late autumn to  early spring.  Sow in good quality seed raising mix , in pots or trays. Cover very lightly with mix as light is needed for germination. Put the pot /tray into a plastic bag and keep at 18-21 deg C . Make sure that the seed mix is kept slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing. Germinates in 2 to 3 weeks at 18 to 21°C . As soon as the first seed germinates remove the plastic bag.

Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into 9-10cm pots after about 4 weeks. Grow on at about 10°C .  Transplant out when large enough and after all danger of frost has gone. Space  the plants 30 to 60cm  apart.