Lilac Tasselflower

What you'll need:

Lilac Tasselflower seeds (available at garden centers or online)

A small patch of soil in your garden or a pot (about 8-10 inches wide with drainage holes)

Regular garden soil (no special mix needed for this hardy plant)

When to start:

Lilac Tasselflower is a tough plant that grows well in warm weather, so spring to early summer is ideal. If you live in a tropical or subtropical area, you can even plant it year-round. Just make sure the last frost has passed if you're in a cooler climate.

Finding a good spot:

This plant loves sunlight but can tolerate some shade. Find a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If planting in pots, a sunny balcony or windowsill will work just fine. It’s also great for borders, wildflower gardens, or as ground cover.

Tip: Lilac Tasselflower isn’t picky about soil type, but it does best in well-draining soil. If your soil feels too heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to help with drainage.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sprinkling the seeds lightly over the soil surface—don’t bury them too deep, as they need light to germinate.
2. Gently press the seeds into the soil so they have good contact, but don’t cover them completely.
3. Water the area lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Seeds should sprout within 7-14 days, depending on the temperature. Warmer weather speeds up germination!

If you’re transplanting seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, just big enough to fit the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and gently cover the roots with soil, pressing lightly around the base.
3. Water immediately after planting to help the roots settle in.

Planting tips:

• Space the seeds or seedlings about 6-12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• If planting in pots, use one seedling per small pot or a few in a larger container.
• Once planted, water regularly to keep the soil moist while they establish themselves.

Watering:

• Lilac Tasselflower doesn’t need constant watering once it’s established. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—usually every 2-3 days in hot weather or weekly in cooler conditions.
• Avoid overwatering, as this plant prefers slightly drier conditions over being waterlogged.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• This plant thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
• It grows best in warm climates but can tolerate some heat. If you live in an area with mild winters, it may even self-seed and come back next season!

Feeding:

• You don’t need to fertilize much—Lilac Tasselflower is low-maintenance. If you want to give it a boost, apply a light dose of general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth instead of flowers, so less is more here.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellow leaves? Check your watering schedule—you might be overwatering.
• Not flowering? Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight. It needs warmth and light to produce its pretty lilac blooms.
• Pests? This plant is pretty resistant, but if you notice aphids or other bugs, spray the leaves with a mix of water and mild soap.

When to enjoy the flowers:

Lilac Tasselflower blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season, usually from late spring to fall. The flowers are small, fluffy, and a lovely shade of lilac-pink, making them perfect for ornamental use or even flower arrangements.

How to harvest:

• To enjoy fresh cuttings, snip the flower stems early in the morning when they’re most hydrated.
• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
• Remove spent flowers (deadheading) regularly to encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.

After blooming:

• If you want the plant to reseed itself, leave some flowers on the plant to turn into seed heads. These will drop seeds naturally, creating new plants next season.
• At the end of the season, you can collect the seeds yourself by shaking the dried flower heads into a paper bag.

Tip: Lilac Tasselflower flowers are also edible! Add them to salads or use them as garnishes for a pop of color.

Q: Is Lilac Tasselflower invasive?

A: It can self-seed quite easily, so in some areas, it might spread more than you’d like. To control its growth, simply remove unwanted seedlings or deadhead flowers before they set seed.

Q: Can I grow Lilac Tasselflower indoors?

A: While it prefers outdoor conditions, you can grow it indoors if you have a very sunny spot. However, it may not thrive as well inside since it loves natural sunlight and open spaces.

Q: Why isn’t my Lilac Tasselflower blooming?

A: Lack of sunlight is often the culprit. Make sure the plant is getting at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, ensure you’re not overwatering, as soggy soil can stress the plant.

Q: Does Lilac Tasselflower attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love its bright flowers. It’s a great addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.

Q: Can I use Lilac Tasselflower in landscaping?

A: Absolutely! Its vibrant flowers and easy-care nature make it perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, or filling empty spaces in your yard.