Guide to growing Thimble Flower (Gilia)
Members of the Gilia genus are hardy annuals that range from 15 to 75cm in height.
Gilia bloom form summer through to autumn and carry globe or trumpet shaped flowers; these may be white, yellow, blue or pink.
Some common names for Gilia are Thimble Flower, Bird's Eyes, Standing Cypress and Queen Anne's Thimble.
How to grow Thimble Flower
For best results it is best to grow thimble flower, bird's eyes and other Gilia genus plants outdoors from seed. So the Thimble flower seeds at a depth of about 3mm. Space Gilia at 20 to 40cm (small Gilia varieties)through to 60 to 80cm (large Gilia species). It should take from two to three weeks for the Gilia plants to germinate at a temperature of 12 to 18 degrees centigrade.
Thimble flowers like to grow in sunny areas of the garden that has good drainage and a sandy soil.
Caring for Thimble flowers
Members of the Gilia genus such as Thimble flower and standing cypress basically look after themselves and require little attention; though it may be a good idea to stake taller Gilia varieties.