Silene latifolia

Germination

Sow into a cold frame in autumn or early spring. Sow directly after danger of frost has passed. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 20°C. Cold frame sowings should germinate in spring as the weather warms. Direct sowings take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Cold frame seedlings should be transplanted to 8cm pots and grown on under glass, acclimatised and planted out after danger of frost has passed. Direct sowings may be thinned if required.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. Will tolerate a moist but well-drained soil. Dislikes winter wet. This is a short-lived perennial often grown as an annual.

Cultivation

Requires little attention. Propagate by seed or via division of offsets when dormant.