This beautiful heirloom flower is a native of Chile and creates a dramatic display of color and foliage in a garden bed or a hanging basket. The 10-12″ foliage is lacy green, almost fern-like. Blooms are exotic looking–difficult to describe, like an unclosed snapdragon, in shades of purple, pink, and white with flecks of opposing colors around the center. Tolerates partial shade, but not much heat, and blooms for 6-8 weeks. Easy to grow, it is commonly called poor mans orchid or butterfly flower

100 seeds

PLANTING

Schizanthus wisetonensis

AnnualGermination: 21-30 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70F

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover the seed.

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70F soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost, 8-12″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors: 1-2 weeks before the last frost, sow lightly- thin to 8-12 apart.

Growth Habit:

Height and Width: 10-12 x 10-12

Spacing: 8-12 apart

Light Needs: Full to part sun

Soil Needs: Average to medium, moist but well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: 60-80 days

Uses: flower beds, containers, cut flowers

Care: Does not like intense heat, plant in light shade inhot areas to prolong blooming. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Pinch back for bushier plants. Amend soil with compost before planting.