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Chinese Houses Seeds

Collinsia heterophylla

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow on the surface of the soil in late fall, pressing the soil down firmly for good seed-to-soil contact. Take care not to cover the seed, since it needs light for germination. This seed can also be direct sown in early spring, and kept moist until germination. Thin or transplant seedlings.

Growing: This plant adapts well to rocky or coarse soil. Water seedlings regularly until they become established, keeping weeds down to a minimum to avoid competition. Mature plants also appreciate occasional watering; though they can survive short dry periods, they do not tolerate drought well. For the best display of blooms, remove wilted flowers. This plant grows best in moderate climates and does not do well with excessive heat. If allowed to self-seed, it will reproduce itself and establish a colony. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: For long lasting fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After flowering, the plant will produce tiny seed pods with ripe brown seed. Watch the pods closely, since they will soon split and drop their Collinsia Heterophylla seeds. Though the pods can be gathered individually as they ripen, an easier method is to pull the entire plant when the majority of the seed pods have ripened; hang it upside down in a protected area where the seeds can safely fall. When the plant has dried completely, thresh the pods that have not split open to remove the rest of the seed. Store the cleaned Chinese houses seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Purple Chinese Houses

Latin Name: Collinsia heterophylla

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: White, Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~1,000 Seeds) $2.98 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~21,000 Seeds) $8.93 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $19.29 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $60.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $270.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $480.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $1,140.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $2,160.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

Reminiscent of Chinese pagodas, this striking annual flower has naturalized in much of western North America. The white and purple blossoms often appear in open woodlands but are happy in a full sun garden setting as well.
This stunning flower grows wild throughout much of western North America, most often springing up in open woodland areas or pine forests. The genus name, Collinsia, honors Philadelphia botanist Zaccheus Collins (1764-1831). This species was first classified in 1835 as Collinsia bicolor by Englishman George Bentham, one of the 19th century's foremost botanical experts. Chinese Houses supply nectar for many butterflies, as well as being a larval host for the Checkerspot butterfly.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow on the surface of the soil in late fall, pressing the soil down firmly for good seed-to-soil contact. Take care not to cover the seed, since it needs light for germination. This seed can also be direct sown in early spring, and kept moist until germination. Thin or transplant seedlings.

Growing: This plant adapts well to rocky or coarse soil. Water seedlings regularly until they become established, keeping weeds down to a minimum to avoid competition. Mature plants also appreciate occasional watering; though they can survive short dry periods, they do not tolerate drought well. For the best display of blooms, remove wilted flowers. This plant grows best in moderate climates and does not do well with excessive heat. If allowed to self-seed, it will reproduce itself and establish a colony. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: For long lasting fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After flowering, the plant will produce tiny seed pods with ripe brown seed. Watch the pods closely, since they will soon split and drop their Collinsia Heterophylla seeds. Though the pods can be gathered individually as they ripen, an easier method is to pull the entire plant when the majority of the seed pods have ripened; hang it upside down in a protected area where the seeds can safely fall. When the plant has dried completely, thresh the pods that have not split open to remove the rest of the seed. Store the cleaned Chinese houses seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Purple Chinese Houses

Latin Name: Collinsia heterophylla

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: White, Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers