I know they are over-used but I still love them, but don't have much success growing them. I'vev read they are self-seeders but they never self-seed in my garden. I got some babies through freecycle last year but they still haven't spread. So I sowed seed (from last year), put it in the fridge for 2 weeks as instructed then in the dark. Uncovered them this week to find two very drawn seedlings. Does anyone have any tips for success?
Don't plant out seedlings until they have a good root system in some small pots. Then plant in well drained soil, dig a load of washed ballast in the ground where you are going to plant them. Mine self seed best in the gravel path so they must like it there. They are really only half hardy so a nice mulch after you cut them down in the winter will protect them and give you bushier plants.
I'm a scruffy so & so Ace & don't cut down until Spring but then I like the spiders webs etc that appear on them :icon_cheers:.
Thanks for the tips, Ace, but can you clarify what you mean by "washed ballast", please?
Ballast makes concrete when mixed with cement. A mixture of small stones and sharp sand. It should all be washed to get rid of the salts etc that will mark a concrete path. It should state 'washed' on the bag or ask your local builders yard for a barrowload and if you are not sure run the hose over it. Not usually a problem from inland gravel pits, but we can occasionally get some dredged from the sea.
Hi Caroline, :wave:, I have been growing bona as i call it for quite awhile now & i only ever had one plant now i have about 30 & had to dispose of about 50, i just cut them down in April & feed them they come up all over every year. Would you like some, mine just throw the seed all over the place.They have even come up in my veg garden down the bottom of my garden they love any soil as far as i can tell, well they come up every place so they must do they do like a feed though about a week after planting & one during the summer keeps them happy. PM me if you would like some OK.
That's really kind of you, Rosebud. I've just accepted another offer sent in a PM, but if it doesn't work out I'll get back to you.
Ok anytime i have always got plenty . happy growing x.