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Cupid's Dart
Seed Packet

Cupid's Dart

Catananche caerulea
Circa early 1800s. Lovely masses of flowers with toothed petal edges bloom at the ends of wiry stems and slender grey-green foliage. Grow this heirloom perennial in groups in meadows and at the well-drained edges of cottage gardens, and the dark-eyed lavender papery blooms are yours to gather on sunny summer mornings for fresh or dry bouquets.
SKU #S033
$3.50
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
120
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
4,
5,
6,
7
Mature Size
2' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Lavender petals with darker centers
Features
Great Cut Flower
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to barely cover, 1/16".
Sprout Time:
10-20 days
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in spring to early summer.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Native to the Mediterranean, Cupid's Dart's Greek name, Catananche, means 'to compel.' Legend says the plant took part in the dark arts that could ensnare people into love. Today, we leave the tale and grow the plant, a bright lavender-blue flower with cut petal edges and silvery foliage perfect for sunny perennial beds with silver-leaved plants. Best in very well-drained soils and in regions that are not sweltering in summer, it is an excellent cut flower that attracts butterflies, too! Short-lived perennial.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Somewhat drought tolerant, but performs best with about 1" of water per week.
Soil pH:
Not particular about pH
Fertilizer:
Mix in 1" of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid fungal troubles with proper spacing and locating in a space with good airflow.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when flowers are almost open.