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, Gilia tricolor has 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.

Gilia tricolor really is most suited to dry soils, and makes a nice companion for Eschscholzia californica, Papaver rhoeas, Coreopsis rosea, and Tanecetum parthenium ‘aureum’. It is suitable for the insectary border and will bloom continuously, 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, 6 weeks before last frost: press seeds into moist, well-drained soil, mist; kept warm (70F) and moist in bright light, seeds will germinate in a week or so; uncover promptly if using plastic and grow on in heat and bright light and good air circulation and DO NOT OVERWATER! Transplant seedlings to individual cells when true leaves appear. Grow on in bright light and with good air circulation, and water only from the bottom very sparingly. Transplant outdoors in full sun after all danger of frost has past. Water regularly just until established.

Packet contains at least 500 seeds.