Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

Transplant - Sow indoors 6 weeks prior to setting out. Plant 6mm deep, covering with vermiculite, and keep at 21°C for best germination. Transplant to the field when seedlings have 3-4 sets of leaves Direct seed - Plant seeds when soil temperature is 20C at 6mm deep, 1 seed per cm. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 16-20cm apart produces healthy, full plants. Pinch the tops out of the plants above a branching node when they are 16cm high to encourage side shoots. Harvesting/Vase Life - Harvest when stems begin to toughen and firm or as soon as flowers begin to form. Cut foliage is prone to wilting in the heat, so harvest during the coolest part of the day and place directly into water to rest a few hours before arranging. Stems will last 7-10 days, often rooting in the vase.