Ageratum, Red Bouquet (Organic)
Ageratum houstonianum. 50 days.
One of the easiest cut flowers to grow. Red Bouquet Ageratum produces tons of small, fuzzy violet-red flowers that form in clusters atop 18 – 24” stems all summer long. Often thought of as a filler flower, we think it can be much more – with several stems bundled together, the intense color and texture makes for a great central feature in a bouquet. Stems are the perfect length for cutting. Flowers are long lasting in the vase and dry nicely for use as an everlasting. Also a great choice for garden beds and containers where plants will happily sit around looking pretty and enticing butterflies for a long time before going to seed. Deer resistant. And, did we mention that it is super easy to grow? May self-sow in some environments. The species is native to Central America. Aka, Floss Flower.
Surface sow in pots indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Germinates in 7-10 days at 70-80˚F soil temperature. After danger of frost has passed, transplant to 10” centers. Prefers full sun to part shade, fertile soil, and good drainage. Pinch back the growth tips of young plants to encourage more stems to form, and deadhead any unharvested flowers to prolong bloom.
Seed Saving
To save seed, sow plants early in spring & harvest when seeds easily rub out of seed heads. Cut seed stalks when seeds are dry, thresh by hand, dancing, or hitting seed stalk against sides of bucket. Screen to clean. Cross-pollinates easily; if saving seed, isolate from other varieties of the same species by 1/4 mile.
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