Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour

Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour: variety and characteristics

Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour (Collinsia heterophylla) is an annual flower of the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Collinsia, also called Blue-eyed Mary or Chinese houses, is a lovely annual with bicoloured snapdragon-like flowers in white and purple.

They flower from mid-spring to midsummer.

A nectar-rich plant.

Collinsia ("Chinese houses") has bicoloured flowers arranged in tiers — for shady corners.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 80%
• Seeds per packet: 510–690 pcs (0.8 g)
• Seed origin: USA
• Sowing: September and October; direct
• Flowering: May – September
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour

Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour seeds are sown in September and October. The plants flower from May to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Collinsia seeds should be pressed lightly into the soil without covering them, and the plant grows best in partial shade, enjoying a slightly cooler climate. Moist, well-drained soil is preferred for growing. Grown as honey flowers, as cut flowers and for flower beds.

Sow directly in spring or autumn.

Flowering and uses

Flowers in May–July.

Frequently asked questions

When should Collinsia Chinese Houses Bicolour be sown?

The recommended sowing months are September and October. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 510–690 seeds, pack size 0.8 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.