code: 934
This treasure is one of the fastest growing plants available
Family: Boraginaceae
Common name: “Honeywort” or “Wax-Flower”
Plant Classification: Half hardy annual
Minimum Height: 45 cm
Maximum Height: 60 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 10
“Honeywort” or “Wax-Flower”, much loved by bees and flowering throughout spring and summer has deep blue pendulous bracts which are packed onto stems densely clad with waxy blue-green leaves. This treasure is one of the fastest growing plants available.
Sowing advice: Seeds can be sown at any time but are best sown in winter or early spring to benefit from a cold spell in the wet compost to break their dormancy. We advise covering seeds very thinly with sand or fine grit to about the depth of the seed size. If the seeds do not come up within 6 to 12 weeks the damp seed tray can be given cold treatment in a fridge for about four weeks. They may still take very many months to appear, so please never discard the pot or tray.
Information:
| GENUS | Cerinthe |
| GROUP/SPECIES | Major |
| VARIETY | Purpurascens |
| TYPE | Hardy Annual |
| COMMON NAME | Honeywort |
| BORDER POSITION | Front, Middle |
| SOIL TYPE | Fertile, Neutral |
| SCENT | Unscented |
| SITE | Full Sun, Shelter |
| MOISTURE | Well-Drained |
| HEIGHT | 60cm (24in) |
| SPACING | Spread 60cm (24in), thin to 30-40cm (12-15in) |
| SOWING, SEEDS, PLANTING | Tough coated seeds, best soaked for 12 hours and then sown under cover in mid spring or late summer. |
| CARE TIPS | Can be grown in container pots. Will self-sow. Hardy annuals can withstand a touch of frost and can be sown/planted straight into the ground in the autumn and will keep through the winter without protection. In colder areas you may wish to cover seedlings or keep in a cold frame/ unheated greenhouse. |
| FLOWERING | May – July |
| VASE LIFE | 7-10 days. When sappy in spring, sear stem ends in boiling water for 30 seconds. |
| HARVESTING | Flower production: 2-3 months. |