Lion's ear, Lion's tail, Minaret flower (Leonotis ocymifolia) - Seeds

Sowing instructions

The cultivation of Leonotis ocymifolia, also known as wild lion's ear, begins with the correct sowing. It is best to sow the seeds in pots or directly in the garden in spring, after the last frosty nights. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, slightly moist soil. Place the seeds about 0.5 cm deep in the soil and keep the soil evenly moist, but not too wet. After about 2 to 3 weeks, the first seedlings will appear and you can later transplant the plants to a distance of 30 cm when they are stronger.

Harvest, use & storage

As soon as your Leonotis ocymifolia plant is in full bloom, you can harvest the bright orange flowers. They usually bloom from midsummer into the fall. The flowers are not only suitable as a decorative eye-catcher in the garden or in bouquets, but also for tea or incense, as they are said to have calming properties. To dry the flowers, hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. Then store them in an airtight container to preserve their quality and fragrance for a long time.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Leonotis ocymifolia plant grows particularly luxuriantly, it is advisable to prune it regularly. This will promote growth and a longer flowering period. Be careful not to overwater the soil - Leonotis ocymifolia is quite drought-resistant. If you want to do something good for the plant, you can use compost or organic fertilizer to support growth. Leonotis ocymifolia is also very easy to care for and is rarely attacked by pests or diseases.

Worth knowing

Leonotis ocymifolia originates from South Africa and is traditionally used there as a medicinal plant. The plant is particularly popular with butterflies and bees, making it an excellent choice for semi-natural gardens. It can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters and its eye-catching flowers make it a real eye-catcher in any garden.