Cow Cockle Pink Beauty

Cow Cockle Pink Beauty — variety description

Cow Cockle Pink Beauty (Vaccaria hispanica) is an annual flower of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). Sturdy and easy to grow. The stems are thicker, stronger, taller and easier to manage than those of annual gypsophila, an otherwise similar flower.

Dusky pink flowers float above grey-blue, waxy foliage. Branching habit.

Also known as soapwort or cow soapwort.

Vaccaria is an airy flower with clouds of tiny pink or white stars, a wonderful filler for bouquets.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 96%
• Seeds per packet: 272–368 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Cow Cockle Pink Beauty

Cow Cockle Pink Beauty seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. 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 Cow Cockle Pink Beauty

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Vaccaria seeds can be sown indoors or directly outdoors. For indoor sowing, the seeds germinate better after cold treatment. Dampen a paper towel, place the seed on the towel and roll it up. Put the damp towel with the seeds in a zip-lock bag and place it in the refrigerator for 4 weeks. After the cold treatment, sow the cow cockle seeds on the surface of the seed-starting mix in small pots or trays. Only cover the Vaccaria seeds lightly, as they need light to germinate. For outdoor sowing, prepare the soil by loosening and weeding, and place 2-3 seeds in groups spaced 18 cm apart. Press the flower seed into the soil and cover it lightly. Keep the seeds moist until germination. Outdoor sowing can be done in autumn or spring. Water the plants regularly to help them establish, and feed them lightly a few times during the growing season.

Sow directly in early spring or in autumn.

Flowering and uses

Cut when the first florets open.

Frequently asked questions

When should Cow Cockle Pink Beauty be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 272–368 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 96%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.