Guide to growing Rochea
Members of the Rochea genus are half hardy perennial sub shrubs that reach about 60cm in height.
Rochea bloom from spring to autumn and carry tubular fragrant flowers that may be Yellow, pink, red or white.
How to grow Rochea
The seeds of Rochea should be sown on the surface in spring or summer. Rochea prefers a fertile, sandy and dry soil and should be grown in a sunny area of the garden.
If staring off Rochea indoors do so about 7 weeks in advance. The Rochea seeds should take from two to seven weeks to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in the light. Transfer the young Rochea plants at about 30cm apart in the middle of spring.
Caring for Rochea
Once growing it is a good idea to pinch back the tips of young Rochea plants as this will encourage branching, leading to a bushier plant. Once flowering has occurred cut the shoots back to about 3cm. As they are half hardy perennials it may be necessary to bring the Rochea plants indoors in cold climates. If you need more Rochea plants then they can be propagated by taking cuttings that are about 6cm long in the spring. The Rochea cuttings should be grown at a temperature of 15 degrees centigrade, and the soil kept slightly moist.