Guide to growing Townsendia
Townsendia are small hardy perennials that reach from 10 to 20cm in height.
Their small size makes them an ideal plant to grow in rock gardens.
Townsendia have narrow leaves and bloom from spring to summer and carry flowers that are reminiscent of Asters; these may be pink, white or purple and often have a yellow centre.
How to grow Townsendia
When growing Townsendia from seeds it is best to sow them in flats. This can be done in the autumn (bring indoors for the winter) or spring. If starting in spring the seeds should first be refrigerated. To do this, sow the Townsendia seeds in the flat and lightly cover, then put the flat in a black plastic bag and place in the fridge for about three weeks. The flat should then be sank into a shady part of the garden and covered with glass. Once the Townsendia seeds have germinated allow to grow a while and transplant them into their final location in the autumn.
Townsendia like to grow in sunny areas of the garden that have very good drainage; therefore the soil should be gritty and moist. The Townsendia plants should be spaced at about 10 to 15cm apart.
Caring for Townsendia
It is important to keep an eye on Townsendia in the winter; they do not like to get too wet, so it is best to surround the plant with gravel. If you require more plants it is best to propagate Townsendia from seed.