Kochia Summer Cypress

Kochia Summer Cypress — variety description

Kochia Summer Cypress (Bassia scoparia) is an annual flower of the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Grown from seed, Kochia is pale green in summer, but then turns an intense red in autumn.

If you are looking for something a little different from the usual autumn colours, this could be the perfect choice.

The plant has a symmetrical, oval shape and makes an outstanding foliage plant.

Kochia (summer cypress) forms dense green "balls" that turn fiery red in autumn — for hedges and borders.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 76%
• Seeds per packet: 1020–1380 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: May; seedlings
• Flowering: September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Kochia Summer Cypress

Kochia Summer Cypress seeds are sown in May. The plants flower in 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 Kochia Summer Cypress

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface (germinates in light)
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Grow in loam-based compost in full light with good ventilation. Water generously during growth, sparingly in winter. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the burning bush Kochia in full sun, at a depth of 1 cm. Sowing - directly into the soil in May, in a 30 x 50 cm pattern. Flowering - September. It tastes like alfalfa. However, the plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities.

The seeds germinate in light.

Flowering and uses

Ornamental for its foliage.

Frequently asked questions

When should Kochia Summer Cypress be sown?

The recommended month for sowing is May. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1020–1380 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 76%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.