How to Grow Cinerarias
Natural Wanders…
exploring the natural world through writing

Colour-fast Cinerarias
Story by Linda Lee Rathbun, Photos by Steven David Miller
Australian House & Garden Magazine

Images: Copyright Steven David Miller, protected by international copyright laws.
Do not copy or reproduce in any manner. All rights strictly reserved.
Text: Copyright Linda Lee Rathbun, protected by international copyright laws.
Do not copy or reproduce in any manner without the express permission of the author.
All rights stricly reserved.

COLOR-FAST CINERARIAS

Florists' cinerarias (Senecio x hybridus) are a taste of botanical enchantment from the tropical Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Each seedling seems to be touched by a magic wand and within several months is transformed into a massive bouquet of flowers throbbing with vibrant color.
For a winter flower bed exploding with blues, purples, pinks, reds, whites and fuchsias, search no further than the magnificent cineraria. The 'Multiflora' hybrids are dwarf varieties, where each plant head is packed with as many as 50 small flowers. The 'Grandiflora' hybrids have short stalks and a mass of somewhat larger blooms. The 'Stellata' or 'Expo' varieties grow to about 30 cm and are topped with the same types of larger (but fewer) colorful daisies.
Cinerarias can be used for a variety of effects. One could have a bed of graduating sizes, with the 'Multiflora' dwarfs at the front, the 'Grandifloras' in the middle and the 'Expo' varieties at the back, growing against a wall or fence. For narrow beds lining a drive or footpath, use a mass of dwarfs for a colorful display.
The 'Grandifloras' are spectacular in a window box. They can be used to add winter color to a cottage garden or rockery. To enliven a patio or veranda, the 'Grandiflora and 'Multiflora' varieties are ideal for pots and can be clustered to electrify dreary winter days. Cinerarias do best where the day temperature is not above 19 degrees Celsius and night temperatures not below five degrees Celsius.
There are three basic ways to have cinerarias in the garden. First, they can be grown from seeds in late January and the seedling transplanted into the soil in April. Second, they can be bought as seedlings in April to be planted in beds or pots. But the easiest (and most expensive) way is to buy the plants fully grown in late autumn and early winter to be planted outside or kept in pots.
For those who wish to start in late January or early February, select cineraria seeds from a reputable nursery. It is best to buy seeds produced by one of the major seed companies, such as Yates or Mr. Fothergill. Mixed seeds for a wide variety of colors are available. Those wanting a 'blue' or 'red' garden bed can select packets of single colors.
The 'Multifloras' and 'Gandifloras' grow to about the same height, the main difference being that the 'Multifloras' have smaller flowers. The 'Expo' varieties tend to be a bit stalky and will look best at the back of a bed against a wall, and they won't be as suitable in pots.
Simply sow the seeds in a seed tray or an ice-cream container, following the instructions on the packets. Place some seeding compost on the bottom of the tray and push the seeds gently into the soil, spacing them every 4 cm or so, then cover with a light layer of sand. Moisten the soil with a spray of water and cover the tray or container with a sheet of glass or a layer of plastic. Keep the soil moist and in the shade, away from direct sun.
When the first seeds sprout, remove the glass or plastic. However, if the weather turns cold suddenly, pop the seed tray in a plastic bag to protect the seedlings, and continue to keep the soil moist and shaded. When the seedlings grow three to four leaves, transfer them into individual pots (Jiffy pots are ideal). If keeping the cinerarias in pots, once the seedling has filled the Jiffy pot with roots, plant it into a 10 cm pot, then a 20 or 25 cm pot, depending whether it is a dwarf or a 'Grandiflora'.
To plant a cineraria in a garden bed, prepare the bed in late March. Choose s shaded area with filtered sunlight, or use a shade cloth that blocks 50 per cent of the sun's rays. Turn over a reasonably loamy soil and remove any rocks or weeds. Crumble any lumps of dirt and fork in some well rotted manure. Let the bed rest for a week or two, removing any weeds or snails as they appear. The seedlings will be ready for planting in April.
If buying young plants from a nursery, ask for the specific colors and varieties desired. If the seedlings are in Jiffy pots, plant them straight into the bed, pot and all. If they are in plastic pots, remove the plant and place them in the ground to the previous soil level. The plants should be spaced about 40 cm apart to give plenty of room to grow and allow for adequate ventilation to avoid mildew.
Add a balanced slow-release fertilizer or use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks, but stop fertilizing when the plants come into flower. Water in the morning into the soil around the plant, never into the crowns or leaves. Cinerarias are thirsty, so the soil should be kept moist with regular deep watering.
There are only a few things to watch for. Remove all snails as they appear. Check the leaves for leaf miner - they leave a squiggly white path and must be treated. Remove and destroy the affected leaves. Serious cases may have to be treated chemically, so ask the nursery for advice. Some people treat leaf miners by adding soot to the soil and also to the water once a week. Check for aphids around the stalks and flower buds. They can be controlled with a garlic spray or by growing garlic chives nearby. A systemic insecticide can be used for serious cases.
Cinerarias will bloom from around July to September. Remove them from the flower bed once they die off and, since they are an annual, throw them away. They will self-sow and, if you would like them to do so, leave them in the bed for as long as possible. The following winter, there may be a few surprises, with flowers coming out in rings of colors. Plant a fresh batch of seedlings the following April to ensure a pretty showing.
With a little bit of care, cinerarias will give a great deal of pleasure and warm winter days with their rich, bright colors. It is truly magical to have plants growing into instant bouquets.
Cinerarias are the perfect winter reviver and as pretty a flower as any of the other seasons have to offer. Cineraria lovers look forward to winter in the garden just as much as spring or summer…..all because of the beautifully hot colors.

The End