Euphorbia mellifera

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with vermiculite. Ideal temp. 15-18°C. Germination can be slow and erratic, taking from 2 weeks to several months. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 3 months then return to warmth. Ensure compost is moist at all times. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out with 200cm spacing. Can be sown directly in autumn where overwintering should offer the natural cold/ warmth conditions required for germination.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained, light soil in full sun in mild areas. Cold areas grow in a container and overwinter indoors.

Cultivation

Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn. Deadhead to avoid self-seeding. Will self-seed freely, but excess seedlings are easily removed.