Guide to growing garden plants - Corydalis (Fumitory)
Members of the Corydalis genus are low growing (15 to 60 cm) hardy annuals, bulbs or perennials that have leaves that look like those of ferns.
Depending upon the variety of Corydalis they may bloom at anytime form the early spring until the autumn, carrying tubular flowers of yellow or blue.
Some common names for Corydalis include Fumitory and Fumewort.
How to grow Fumitory (Corydalis)
It is quite difficult to grow Fumitory from seeds and you may prefer to grow from a plant from the garden centre. If you prefer to grow your own fumitory then the seed should first be kept at a temperature of 17 degrees for 8 weeks, then chilled in the fridge for 2 weeks. The seed should then be sown onto the soil surface when the temperature is at around 18 degrees Centigrade. Alternatively you can plant Corydalis (fumitory) bulbs at a depth of 7cm at the beginning of the summer. Seeds or bulbs should be planted into a lightly shaded area of the garden with good drainage. Ideally the soil that Corydalis grows in should be rich and of a pH 6 to 8.
Caring for Corydalis
It is important to cut back the plants after flowering as they are able to self seeds. As they are difficult to grow from seed then you may like to divide Corydalis perennials once flowering has finished.