MaltaWildplants.com

[llawrence]

I am planning to cultivate chrozophora tinctoria for the purpose of experimenting with the medieval pigments it can create. I'm in southern California (north San Diego county), late hot summers, late and short winters (frost only rarely, and not deep), and not much rain to speak of. Soil is light but poor (unless amended).

I know next to nothing about this plant, and am seeking some advice about what the plant prefers. Especially planting time. Should the seeds be put in the ground now, in the fall (it's still fairly warm here, and we just finished what will probably be our last heat wave of the year), or would it be best to wait till spring?

Also spacing: how much space will each plant need to be comfortable? From photos I'm guessing about a square foot per each.

Finally watering: how often will the plants need water? From what I've read on the plant description page, I'm guessing they like it full sun and fairly dry.

I'll experiment with things like pH, unless someone has some specific information about that. But if anyone has any recommendations regarding my first three questions, it would be tremendous. Thanks! - L.

[MWP admin]

Its difficult to give advices to people who live in different climatic conditions from Malta , though I can tell you that the plant germinate in (late) Spring (May-Jun) after the precipitation is almost over and temp is rising up steadily. The plant is in bloom in early Summer (july-Aug) and fruits in Aug-Oct, when the temp is decreasing and precipitation starts again.

You can use these basic notes and apply them to your climaic conditions. I do not think the plant tolerates frost and heavy rainfall. You might also try indoor propagation.

[llawrence]

Thanks for the reply and advice. I will try putting the seeds in the ground in spring. Based on photos from the plant's page on this site I'll give each plant about a square foot or so and moderate watering. I'll let you know how it goes!