Verbena bonariensis

Germination

Sow indoors Feb -Apr. Sow into moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover the seed with vermiculite. Ideal germination temp. 20-22°C. Germination is improved if the temp. is allowed to drop at night to 15-18°C. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Germination can be erratic. if no germination has occurred after 2 weeks a cool period is advisable, dropping day temp. to 10-15°C approx. for 7 days, then bring back to 20-22°C. Ideal growing on temp. 18°C. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 12cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out 60cm apart in full sun. Can be sown directly after danger of frost has passed Apr-Jun.

Growing

Grow in a mass for best effect. Pinch back when first planted to encourage branching. Water deeply to encourage root growth. May require a frame on which to grow.

Cultivation

If sown early it will flower in the same year. Cut and come again variety. Cut flowers regularly to encourage growth and to prolong flowering window. Deadhead if you do not want it to self-seed. Cut back in spring once new shoots emerge at the base.