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Description
Gilia tricolor. Height to 30-45cm (12-18"). Bird's Eyes Gilia seeds are a charming California native wildflower that blooms from spring to mid-summer, producing long-lasting stems of chocolate-scented blue flowers with dark centres. These rise above the ferny foliage and open in sunshine, but close on cloudy days. This easy to grow, nectar-rich annual is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It will grow in any sandy, well-drained soil and is suitable for xeriscaping. Suitable for Zones 6 to 10, with a preference for milder weather. Bird's Eyes Gilia seeds will work well in patio containers. In windy areas, give the plants a little support by pushing some twigs into the soil around them.
| Latin Name | Gilia tricolor and G. capitata |
| Difficulty | Very easy |
| Exposure |
Full sun |
| Timing |
Gilia is most successful if direct sown outdoors 2-3 weeks before last frost, or in the autumn in mild climates. Alternately, start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, and harden seedlings off gradually in a cold frame before transplanting. This is one of those annuals that requires almost no effort: Sprinkle seeds where they are to grow, and most gardeners will have a very high success rate. |
| Starting |
Sow seeds 2mm (1/8″) deep. At a temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F) seeds should germinate in 17 to 21 days. |
| Growing |
Transplant after last frost into average, well drained soil. G. tricolor can grow in quite sandy conditions and is drought tolerant, so it’s useful for xeriscaping. Space plants 23-33cm (9-15″) apart. Gilia will probably self sow in the right conditions, but it does not become weedy and is very easy to control. |
