Orlaya ‘White Finch Lace’

Orlaya grandiflora

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly

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

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

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

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

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.