This perennial produces excellent, summer-long blooms on low growing plants that work well in containers and rock gardens. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Saponaria from seed.
Latin
Saponaria ocymoides
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Saponaria is hardy to Zone 3
Starting
Start indoors in peat or coir pots 8-10 weeks before planting out. Alternately, direct sow in early spring or early autumn. For best results, place the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened soil, and tuck inside a plastic bag. Refrigerate for three weeks, and then provide bright light and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F). Germination should occur in 10-21 days.
Growing
Transplant into dry, rocky soil in full sun or partial shade at 10-20cm (4-8”) apart. Water only during very dry spells, and do not fertilize. Cut back after blooming to keep plants compact. Saponaria plants do not transplant well, and they dislike wet soil over winter.