Today, it’s a popular choice for cut flowers and is often used in bouquets and arrangements. Bishop’s flower is easy to grow and thrives in most gardening conditions. It’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of grace and sophistication to their garden.

Bishop’s flower can be direct-seeded into the garden 3-4 weeks after the last frost date, or prior to the first frost of fall. Or, Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

Bishops flowers thrives in full sun and moist well drained soil. Can tolerate partial shade but blooms will be fewer.

• Prepare garden soil by removing all weeds and debris.
• Add compost if needed to ensure that the soil will drain well.
• For large areas broadcast at 3 lbs/acre and cover 1/4 inch.
• Firm soil lightly.
• Keep the area moist for germination
• If starting in pots/cells indoors, use 1-2 seeds per pot/cell
• Start either in late winter or early spring approximately 6-8 weeks before last frost date.
• cover 1/4 inch lightly firm soil.
• Once seedlings emerge thin seedlings to one per pot/cell.
• Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

• Water regularly, espectially during hot, dry weather. Soil should be kept evenly moist.
• Once your plants stop blooming leave dried seed heads to self seed. If you do not want them to self seed, simply remove the dead flowers.
• For use in flower arrangements, cut the stems when flowers are just beginning to open. Hang stems upside down in cool, dark place until fully dried.