BIRD’S EYE GILIA SEEDS

Gilia tricolor

Native to California, Gilia tricolor features pollen in the most unlikely shade of bright turquoise blue, petals of pretty pale purple with a white eye, and the whole flower smells of chocolate.

Unfortunately this species can have a bit of a floppy and weedy habit, and especially in rich soil is best grown amongst other plants that might have the effect of propping it up. The many unique qualities of this plant more than make up for its unimpressive foliage and tendency to be found prostrate.

Most suited to dry soils and a very nice companion for Eschscholzia californica, Papaver rhoeas, Coreopsis rosea, and Tanecetum parthenium ‘aureum’. It is lovely for the low profile insectary border and will sometimes bloom all season, especially if kept sheared of spent blooms.

Seeds should be sown directly into loose well-drained soil outdoors after all danger of frost.

To start indoors: press seeds into moist well-drained soil around 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Mist generously and cover with plastic. Kept warm (70°F) and moist in bright light the seeds will germinate in a week or so. Uncover promptly once germination begins and prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in individual containers or cells in bright light at warm room temperature. Provide good air circulation and DO NOT OVERWATER! Harden off and transplant outdoors in full sun after all danger of frost has past. Water regularly just until established.

Packet contains at least 500 seeds.