Anthriscus sylvestris, 'Ravenswing'

Germination

Sow directly at any time where they are to flower, but ideally sow autumn. Sow 1mm deep, thinly, in drills 30cm apart in prepared soil that has been raked to a fine tilth. Lightly cover seed. Seed will require a period of cold to break dormancy. Water ground during dry periods. Natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for the seed to germinate in spring when the weather warms. Can be sown indoors. Indoors mix seed with damp vermiculite, place somewhere warm for 3 weeks and then cold stratify. Move to a fridge, ideal temp 4°C for 8 weeks then remove to warmth for germination. Direct sowing is best as this plant has a long tap root which can be damaged when transplanting.

Growing

Takes 2 years to flower from seed, but will put on foliage growth in the first year. The long tap root does not like to be disturbed. Easy to care for once established.

Cultivation

Cut and come again variety. Cut flower stalks regularly to prolong foliage vigour. Also deadhead, or cut back to ground level, if you do not wish to self-seed. If allowing to self-seed only select the darkest purple plants. Can dominate once established.