butterfly wings plant indoors SCHIZANTHUS

butterfly wings plant indoors SCHIZANTHUSThis beautiful heirloom flower is a native of Chile and creates a dramatic display of color and foliage in a garden bed or a hanging basket. The 10 12" foliage is lacy green, almost fern like. Blooms are exotic looking difficult to describe, like an unclosed snapdragon, in shades of purple, pink, and white with flecks of opposing colors around the center. Tolerates partial shade, but not much heat, and blooms for 6 8 weeks. Easy to grow, it is

This beautiful heirloom flower is a native of Chile and creates a dramatic display of color and foliage in a garden bed or a hanging basket. The 10-12" foliage is lacy green, almost fern-like. Blooms are exotic looking--difficult to describe, like an unclosed snapdragon, in shades of purple, pink, and white with flecks of opposing colors around the center. Tolerates partial shade, but not much heat, and blooms for 6-8 weeks. Easy to grow, it is commonly called poor man's orchid or butterfly flower.

100 seeds 

PLANTING

Schizanthus wisetonensis

AnnualGermination:  21-30 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth:  Sow on the surface and lightly cover the seed. 

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost, 8-12" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors:  1-2 weeks before the last frost, sow lightly- thin to 8-12” apart.

Growth Habit: 

Height and Width: 10-12” x 10-12”

Spacing: 8-12” apart

Light Needs: Full to part sun 

Soil Needs: Average to medium, moist but well-drained 

Approximate days to flower from seed:  60-80 days

Uses:  flower beds, containers, cut flowers

Care: Does not like intense heat, plant in light shade in hot areas to prolong blooming. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Pinch back for bushier plants. Amend soil with compost before planting.