Orlaya ‘White Finch Lace’
Orlaya grandiflora
Description
One of the prettiest, most delicate fillers for late spring and early summer bouquets, these dainty bloomers are smothered in a mass of lacy white umbels that mix well with anything. As the flowers fade, they form equally enchanting green seed heads loaded with star-shaped pods. This little plant is a true garden workhorse and the more you cut it, the more it blooms.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, orlaya can be direct-sown into the garden in the fall. Everywhere else, start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out while the weather is still cool. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. Plants can tolerate a light frost.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half to fully open. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Details
Description
One of the prettiest, most delicate fillers for late spring and early summer bouquets, these dainty bloomers are smothered in a mass of lacy white umbels that mix well with anything. As the flowers fade, they form equally enchanting green seed heads loaded with star-shaped pods. This little plant is a true garden workhorse and the more you cut it, the more it blooms.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, orlaya can be direct-sown into the garden in the fall. Everywhere else, start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out while the weather is still cool. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. Plants can tolerate a light frost.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half to fully open. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
