Dictamnus albus var. caucasicus

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow in a cold frame in autumn. Sow into moist, well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 23°C for 6-8 weeks then cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 6-8 weeks. Remove to warmth for germination, slowly raising the temp. to 10°C. Seedlings should emerge with 2 months, if not repeat warm/cold cycle. In a cold frame natural autumn warmth, followed by winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. This seed often needs several rounds of cold treatment and may not germinate until the second year. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers any well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full or partial sun.

Cultivation

Cut back to the base of the plant in autumn. Propagate by fresh seed, place in a cold frame in autumn.