Lychnis Seed - Lychnis Viscaria Catchfly Flower Seeds

Lychnis (Lychnis Viscaria Splendens Rosett) - Also called Catchfly, this is a lower growing form of Lychnis which is easy to start from Lychnis seeds. Lychnis Viscaria Catchfly is known for exceptional hardiness, and it is tolerant of poor soils and little water. The Catchfly plant has foliage that is oval, to oblong shaped with dark green leaves 3 inches long with sticky un-branched stems. Lychnis Catchfly blooms from early to mid-summer with many rose-pink flowers that are 1 inch across. Often, the Catchfly flowers will remain through first frost.

Sow Lychnis seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use well-draining starter soil. Sow the Catchfly seeds on the surface, lightly covered. Keep seed continuously moist until germination. Some gardeners will cover with plastic wrap to keep humidity high. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost and when seedlings are 2 inches tall. Catchfly care includes deadheading the spent blooms to prolong the blooming season. This hardy perennial plant grows to make a clump and grows horizontally and low to the ground. It requires a moist and rich soil, preferring full sun. It is susceptible to and should be protected from slugs and snails.