Hypochaeris maculata ex. Bosnia Spotted Cat's-ear
30 seeds per packet.
The seeds we offer have been harvested from plants grown by us from a seed collection by Máté Tálas from Bosnia. A perennial species in the Asteraceae family that is native to Europe, Siberia and Xinjiang, China. Produces rosettes of thick, glossy foliage with wavy margins and dark purple spots. Tall, erect stems carrying large, bright yellow flowers from June into September are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Although we have yet to try it, the leafs of the plant can be boiled like cabbage and the roots and flowers are said to make a good general tonic. Height 40 to 70 cm. Moisture retentive, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Sow from March to June. Cover seed thinly, press in gently and keep top of compost from drying out. Keep pot warm at 15 to 20°C until germination, then move to somewhere cooler.
Carefully prick out seedlings when they have developed true leaves and are large enough to transplant to individual pots to grow on.