code: 575
Sow March to April
Family: Compositae
Plant Classification: Half hardy annual
Minimum Height: 3.6 meters
Maximum Height: 4.2 meters
Packet Content(approx.): 10
These plants really are monsters. Not only do they grow up to 14 feet tall, they also produce the most amazingly enormous flower heads up to 18″ in diameter. To impress, or even upset your neighbours, just grow some of these against your house wall!
Sowing advice:
Sow March to April. Germinate at 20-30C in a propagator Cover seeds thinly. Germination usually takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light at any stage. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 3in pots. Grow on in cooler, well lit conditions for 10-15 days before planting out 12in apart after all risk of frost.
- Seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last spring frost.
- Or direct-sow seeds outside after all danger of frost has passed to a depth of 1/4 inch.
- Can be sown as late as 100 days before last frost.
- When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to individual pots. Replant thinned plants.
- Steadily harden off before planting out after all danger of frost has passed.
- These will require staking / support in all but the most sheltered locations.
