Mum’s the word that the lion from the Wizard of Oz is the new Wicked, we haven’t watched it yet, but believe us when you can grow your own non-cowardly alternative universe absolutely stunning Lion’s Ear (or known as kilp dagga) that are sure to roar in your garden. Reaching over 5-6ft tall, it produces showy rings of bright orange hairy tubular flowers in clusters each node of the stem—great for cut flowers and being a magnet for pollinators. Extremely drought tolerant and produces spiky (wear gloves) pods that are great for dried flowers and produces these beautiful seeds in this packet! It’s leaves and petals can be dried to make tea that “chills” you out, but we’re no doctors so suggest more research.

-We’ve had success starting them as transplants indoors, (can be direct seeded too) a month before last frost                                          check: almanac.com/gardening/frostdates                                                                                                         - Plant seed 1/8” in soft potting soil in a pot at least 4” deep, best started under a heating mat, but will be okay without one                                             —Germinating in 14-18 days, keep in warm area under direct lighting area and will be ready to be planted outside after last frost and about 4” tall.                                                                                                                                           - Plant in area with full sun, spacing 2ft apart, or can be kept in a large pot at least 5 gallons—it is very drought tolerant and once established water once top 2” of the soil is dry.                                                                                                                       - Top plants aka cutting off blooms to make more bushier and will reach full maturity in about 80 days. Be sure to carefully shake the dried pods to collect seed seeds for next year. Minimum 25 seeds.