Guide to growing Throatwort - Trachelium
Although members of the Trachelium genus are perennials they are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.
Some Trachelium can reach from 60 to 90cm in height, but others have mat like growth.
Trachelium bloom in the summer and have blue flowers. Their size makes them ideal for use in rock gardens.
Some common names for Trachelium include Throatwort and Blue Throatwort.
How to grow Throatwort
Unless you live in very warm areas it is best to grow throatwort indoors first when growing from seed. The process should be started in winter about 10 weeks before the due to be put outdoors after the last frost of spring. Throatwort seeds should be sown on the soil surface and will take from two to three weeks to germinate at 12 to 16 degrees centigrade. Once ready transplant the Throatwort seedlings outdoors into a shady or partially shady part of the garden with a spacing of around 30cm. The soil that Trachelium species grow in should be fertile and have very good drainage, also it should be moist and a touch limey.
Caring for Throatwort
Trachelium species such as Blue throatwort are easy to look after; they like a slightly moist soil so water them when the soil starts to dry out. Also it is a good idea to protect them from heavy rain in the winter. If you require more plants then they can be propagated in spring by taking cuttings.