Silver Lace
Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum
Description
This exciting discovery has a fitting name. Its pungent, glaucous foliage is so delicate and airy, with the growth habit and color of dusty miller but a much lacier appearance. Each plant produces 15 to 20 slender, upright, stiff-branched stems unmatched for wedding work.
Details
Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. 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. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.
Details
Description
This exciting discovery has a fitting name. Its pungent, glaucous foliage is so delicate and airy, with the growth habit and color of dusty miller but a much lacier appearance. Each plant produces 15 to 20 slender, upright, stiff-branched stems unmatched for wedding work.
Details
Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. 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. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.
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.
