Dusty Miller ‘New Look’

Senecio cineraria

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Dryable
  • Foliage & Filler

Description

One of the most productive and unique foliage plants around, this special Dusty Miller features tall, thick stems with large, smooth-edged silver leaves. The more you pick it, the more stems it produces. Ready to cut just 4 months after sowing, this hardworking plant will reward you with buckets and buckets of fuzzy, silvery foliage all season long. In warmer areas, it will perennialize if mulched.

Details

Plant type: annual/tender perennial
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed is slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Details

Description

One of the most productive and unique foliage plants around, this special Dusty Miller features tall, thick stems with large, smooth-edged silver leaves. The more you pick it, the more stems it produces. Ready to cut just 4 months after sowing, this hardworking plant will reward you with buckets and buckets of fuzzy, silvery foliage all season long. In warmer areas, it will perennialize if mulched.

Details

Plant type: annual/tender perennial
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed is slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.