Guide to growing Toadflax - Linaria
Linaria can be either hardy annuals or perennials and vary in height from 15cm to 1.2M.
They have lance shaped leaves and carry flowers that are similar to those of snapdragon.
They bloom from the end of spring through to the middle of summer and have flowers of many colours including orange, purple and gold.
Where you grow Linaria depends upon the species, smaller ones go well in the rock garden while larger varieties can be used in the border.
Some of the common names for Linaria include Toadflax, Baby Snapdragon, Spurred snapdragon and Butter and Eggs.
How to grow Toadflax
When growing Toadflax and other members of the Linaria genus outdoors from seed then sow out about three weeks before the last frost of spring, and continue sowing (using pre-chilled seeds) regularly for an extended flowering season. Once sown lightly cover the seeds. Toadflax likes to grow in sunny areas; the soil type is not important.
If starting the plants off indoors then you will first need to imbibe the Toadflax seeds by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag, then placing in the fridge for three weeks. Seeds should then be sown out in the light at a temperature of 12 to 15 Celsius; they normally take about 10 to 14 days to germinate. Once growing transplant the seedlings from the last frost onwards at a spacing of 25cm to 90cm depending upon the size of Linaria.
Caring for for toad flax - Linaria plants
Toad flax is a relatively easy plant to look after; water regularly in dry periods; thin perennials; cut back annuals for a second bloom. If you require more perennial Linaria then divide in the spring or take cuttings at the start of summer.