Kochia scoparia | Burning Bush

Planting guides for Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Shrub & Vine seeds can be found at: 

https://bloomoutlet.com/seed-guides/ 

Please read both the seed guide and this plant specific sowing instructions. If you are unsure of the best way to germinate the seeds, DO NOT SOW ALL THE SEEDS. Keep some in case the germination method you use doesn’t work. 

Cold stratify ALL perennials, shrub & tree seeds for at least 30 days unless the plant specific instructions indicate a longer period. 

KOCHIA SCOPARIA (BASSIA SCOPARIA) - BURNING BUSH



Plant Specific Instructions (Read “Seed Guide” as well): 

1. Seed Preparation (Stratification)

  • Cold Stratification – Place the seeds in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag and refrigerate them for 1-2 weeks before sowing.

  • Pre-Soaking (Optional) – Some gardeners soak the seeds in warm water for a few hours before planting to speed up germination.

2. Sowing Time:

  • Best sown in early spring after the last frost.

  • Can also be sown in late summer for a fall crop in warm climates.

3. Soil Preparation:

  • Prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

  • Tolerates poor soils but grows best in sandy or loamy soil.

4. Light Requirements:

  • Full sun is ideal for strong, healthy growth.

5. Sowing Depth:

  • Surface sow or lightly press seeds into the soil (do not bury deeply).

  • Needs light to germinate.

6. Watering:

  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination.

  • Once established, Bassia scoparia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

7. Germination Time:

  • Seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days at temperatures between 61-65°F (16-18°C).

8. Spacing:

  • Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow room for bushy growth.

9. Growth & Care:

  • Avoid overwatering once established.

  • Can be trimmed to maintain shape. 

Botanical Name: Koparia scoparia

Alternate Names: Bassia scoparia, Bassia sieversiana, Kochia alata, Kochia trichophila, Kochia trichophylla

Common Name: Burning Bush, Mexican Fireweed, Mock Cypress, Fireweed, Mirabel, Summer Cypress, Belvedere, Firebush, Besenkraut Sommerzypresse

Type: Annual

Foliage Color: Green turning intense red in the fall with a rounded, cone like growth habit

Plant Height: 28 in. ( 71 cm) 

Plant Spacing: 24-36 in. (60-91 cm)

Light Requirements: Full Sun

USDA Zones: 2-11

Water Requirements: Average

Soil Requirements: Average

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