Renee's Garden - Handsome, ornamental plants with 4-5 foot feathery plumes of filigreed blue-green, copper-tipped leaves and lacy, golden flower umbels. A stunning addition to flower beds and a major nectar and pollen host for many butterflies (especially Swallowtails) and beneficial insect species. The aromatic, sweetly anise-scented leaves are delicious in salads and make a lovely, soothing tea. The pretty flowers are lovely in bouquets; their edible golden pollen is a gourmet seasoning that upscale chefs love to use.
Characteristics:
Heirloom Selective
Butterfly favorites
Pollinators & Beneficials
Perennial: USDA zone 5-9
Instructions - To plant directly in the garden, In spring when the danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds 1 inch apart in finely worked, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil, and keep the seedbed moist. Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings are well established, carefully thin or transplant them 1 1/2 feet apart to allow plants room to mature.
To start early indoors, Sow thinly in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before carefully transplanting as above.
Plant in very well-drained soil. Seedlings grow slowly at first; watch out for them closely as their bronze color makes them easy to weed out by accident.
The branching feathery fronds crowned by intricate yellow flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen to a wide range of butterflies, ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Colorful blue-green, and copper-bronze foliage is a beautiful contrast with the green foliage and bright colors of summer annuals.
- Plant in March-June
- Full Sun
- Plant 1/2" deep
- Space 1" apart
- 14-21 days to germinate
- Mature height: 4-5 feet
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
