Anchusa capensis, 'Blue Angel'

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Press seeds lightly into the soil and just cover with soil. Do not exclude light as this aids germination. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed. Can be sown directly into prepared seedbeds once the weather warms with 30cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun. Adaptable though and will grow in almost any soil. Easy to grow. Does not require staking. Drought tolerant.

Cultivation

Cut back hard after the plant has finished flowering in midsummer to encourage a second bloom of flowers. Cut back to ground level in autumn. Large clumps can be divided in spring. Will self-seed.