Kochia scoparia | Burning Bush

BASSIA (KOCHIA ) SCOPARIA (Summer Cypress, Burning Bush)

A fast-growing ornamental annual prized for its feathery foliage that turns fiery red in autumn. It’s low-maintenance and perfect for borders, mass plantings, or dramatic seasonal accents.

When to Sow

  • Indoors: Start seeds 4–6 weeks before your last expected frost.
  • Outdoors: Sow after the last frost, once the soil has warmed.

Seed Treatment – Cold Stratification

For better germination, cold stratify your seeds before sowing:

  • Place seeds in a moist paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag.
  • Refrigerate for 1–2 weeks.
  • Then sow as directed below.

Optional: After stratification, you can soak seeds for 12–24 hours to encourage quicker sprouting.

Germination Conditions

  • Germination Time: Usually 7–14 days, but can take up to 21 days.
  • Temperature: Best at 20–25°C (68–77°F).
  • Light Requirement: Do not cover seeds—they need light to germinate. Press gently onto moist soil.

Sowing Instructions

  1. Use a well-draining seed starting mix.
  2. Moisten the soil before sowing.
  3. Press seeds onto the surface and do not cover.
  4. Mist lightly to settle them.
  5. Cover with plastic or a humidity dome to retain moisture until germination.
  6. Place in a bright location, out of direct, intense sun.

After Germination Care

  • Remove cover once seedlings emerge.
  • Keep in a sunny spot or under grow lights to avoid leggy growth.
  • Thin or transplant when seedlings have at least 2 true leaves.

Transplanting Outdoors

  • Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outside.
  • Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Space plants 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) apart.

Watering & Maintenance

  • Water regularly while young.
  • Avoid overwatering once established—Kochia is drought-tolerant.
  • Can be trimmed to maintain shape.
  • Fertilizer is not usually necessary unless soil is poor—use a balanced slow-release feed if needed.

Extra Tips

  • Grows best in full sun and poor to average soils.
  • Avoid planting in soggy or compacted soil.
  • May self-seed if not deadheaded in fall.

Plant Profile

  • Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 feet)
  • Foliage Color: Green in summer, turns brilliant red to burgundy in fall
  • Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and mounding
  • Lifecycle: Annual
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 2–11 (grown as an annual)

Happy planting! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you grow something beautiful.

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