How to Grow Cineraria
Pericallis × hybrida
When to Start
Sow indoors 10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser once flower buds appear. Stop feeding once flowers are fully open — it won't extend the display and can cause soft growth.
- A spectacular cool-season pot plant producing dense rounded heads of vivid daisy flowers in an extraordinary colour range. Originally from the Canary Islands, it thrives in cool, bright conditions (10-16°C) and makes a stunning display on shaded porches, cool conservatories, and north-facing windowsills. Not frost-hardy and intolerant of heat — treat as a temporary display plant. The intense flower colours (electric blue, deep purple, hot pink) are unmatched by almost any other bedding plant.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Space 25-30 cm apart in containers or sheltered beds. Often grown as a pot plant for cool conservatories and porches.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser once flower buds appear. Stop feeding once flowers are fully open — it won't extend the display and can cause soft growth.
- Watch for
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- Aphids on soft new growth and flower stems — check undersides of leaves
- Grey mould (Botrytis) in humid, poorly ventilated conditions
- Wilting from heat stress — move to cooler spot immediately
- Leaf yellowing from overwatering or poor drainage
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Soft-bodied green or black insects clustered on new growth and flower stems; sticky honeydew residue on leaves.
- Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge colonies.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution to affected areas.
- Apply a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
Pest Leaf Miner
Identification: Pale winding tunnels visible through leaf tissue; larvae visible inside when held to light.
- Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately.
- Yellow sticky traps to monitor adult flies.
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing spinosad.
Disease Grey Mould Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fluffy grey fungal growth on stems, leaves, and flowers; affected tissue collapses and rots.
Treatment: Remove all affected plant parts immediately. Improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Prevention: Water from below; avoid wetting foliage; keep temperatures cool and ensure good ventilation.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaf surfaces; leaves yellow and distort.
Treatment: Remove affected leaves; apply a sulphur-based fungicide if severe.
Prevention: Maintain good air circulation; avoid overcrowding; keep plants cool.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Base growth temperature | 7°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Cineraria?
- Plant Cineraria 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Cineraria flower?
- Cineraria typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Cineraria frost hardy?
- Cineraria is classified as Half Hardy.
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