How to Grow Silver Ragwort
Jacobaea maritima
Silver ragwort (Dusty Miller) is grown for its intensely silver-white felted leaves, perfect as a foliage contrast in summer bedding schemes. Sow indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost in a warm propagator. Prick out seedlings and grow on until all frost risk has passed, then harden off and plant out 30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy, compact growth and remove flower stems to keep the silvery foliage effect going all season. In cold climates treat as a tender annual; in mild coastal areas it may survive winter with light protection.
When to Start
Sow indoors 9 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 8°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Monthly balanced feed at half strength during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which cause leggy, less silvery growth.
- Silver ragwort is grown for its striking silver-white felted foliage rather than its flowers. Regular pinching keeps plants compact and silver.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 8°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–24°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.2 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 35 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 8°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Silver Ragwort?
- Plant Silver Ragwort 30cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Silver Ragwort flower?
- Silver Ragwort typically flowers approximately 30 days after transplanting.
- Is Silver Ragwort frost hardy?
- Silver Ragwort is classified as Half Hardy.
