Cuphea Growing Guide

Cuphea hyssopifolia

Cuphea

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil or roomy containers.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Can tolerate light frosts in warmer areas, where cuphea can be grown as a short-lived perennial.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

Combine with other annuals, such as salvias.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 20cm (7") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow cuphea seeds in moist seed starting mix and keep them warm until the seeds germinate. Most gardeners buy cuphea plants, which often are grown from rooted cuttings. Allow 30cm (12 inches) between taller varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

This is a great summer flower for a sheltered spot or growing in a greenhouse.

Harvesting

Snip off older branches in midsummer to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering.

Troubleshooting

Cuphea are rarely troubled by pests or diseases.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Cuphea