Sowing & Growing

Linaria seeds are tiny, so when sowing them directly where you want flowers, mix the seed with dry sand and spread the mix thinly. This usually provides enough space between seedlings, reducing the need for thinning. Thinning can be done later to prevent overcrowding. Thinnings can be transplanted successfully on damp, cloudy days, but plants grown without transplanting tend to perform better.

For successful displays, thorough weeding is essential. Prepare the planting site in advance, allowing weed seeds to germinate. Rake or weed them out once or twice before broadcasting Linaria seed. This process eliminates the need for hand-weeding and prevents weeds from crowding or overshadowing the delicate seedlings.

Sowing directly outdoors is an option after the last spring frost. Choose a sunny, well-drained area with average soil. Cultivate the soil, mark the sowing areas, and sow the seeds finely on the surface, not covered with soil. Keep the soil moderately moist during germination. When large enough, thin the seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart.

For indoor sowing, start seeds about seven or eight weeks before transplanting. Use moistened seed compost in pots or trays. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots when large enough. Grow indoors until the last frost, then transplant outdoors with a spacing of 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) apart. Autumn-sown seeds should be overwintered before planting out in spring.

Once established, Linaria needs little care. After the first flush of flowers, shear the plants by two-thirds for a rebloom. Regular removal of flowers for arrangements stimulates renewed vigor. Linaria will bloom from spring to autumn in cooler climates. In hot climates, they may pause flowering in midsummer but resume once temperatures lower. They are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during dry summer months.