Althaea rosea Crème de Cassis

Hardy Perennial

• Flowers in : Mid to late Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Cottage Gardens
• Special Features : Edible Flowers, Flowers in 1st Year
• Height : 6 feet

Description

Scrumptious veined flowers in juicy blackcurrant, fade to paler berry shades around the edges of each double, semi-double and single bloom, that can miraculously be found on each stem. Height: 150-180cm (5-6ft).

Sowing Instructions

Sow February to March or September to October. Germinate at 15-20C (59-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Alternatively, sow late summer in a cool greenhouse and overwinter plants in cool, well lit conditions. Plant out the following spring. This produces larger plants and is recommended if the soil is heavy or badly drained.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 45cm (18in) apart.

Aftercare

Prefers a well cultivated soil in a sheltered position.