Growing Guide

Orlaya

Growing Orlaya from seed:

  • Orlaya, also known as lace flower, is a delicate, wildflower that adds a touch of ethereal beauty to any garden. Its feathery, white flowers resemble lace, hence the name.

  • Growing orlaya from seed is a rewarding experience, and it's relatively easy to do. This guide will walk you through the process.

Quick Guide

Start Indoors (recommended):
  • Timing: 4-6 weeks before planting out

  • Seed Depth: 1/4"

  • Germination time: 12-16 days

  • Transplant out: during cool weather

Plant Specifications

Light Preference

Plant Height

Plant Spacing

Hardiness

Full Sun

24 - 30"

9-12"

Hardy Annual

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

  • Seeds

  • Seed starting trays or pots

  • Seed starting mix (sterile)

  • Labels and a marker

  • Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

  • Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

  • Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

    Timing

    • When to Start: Begin the process about 4 - 6 weeks befoe planting out.

    Preparation

    • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

    • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

    Planting Seeds

    • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

    • Sow Seeds: Place 1-2 seeds in each cell. Do not cover seeds, as light is needed for germination.

    • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the variety and the planting date.

    Germination

    • Cover Seeds: Cover seeds with 1/4" of soil.

    • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

    • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

    • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

    Light and Watering

    • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 12-16 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

    • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

    Take Care of Seedlings

    • Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot.

    • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

    Transplanting Outdoors

    • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors while the weather is still cool. Plants can tolerate a light frost.

    • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

    • Planting: Plant seedlings 9-12 inches apart.

    • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.