Garden Planner Growing Information for Cuphea

Cuphea

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous

Cuphea, also known as Cigar Flower, Firecracker Plant

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil or roomy containers.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Can tolerate light frosts in warm climates, where cuphea can be grown as a short-lived perennial.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

Combine with other annuals that attract hummingbirds, such as salvias.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow cuphea seeds in moist seed starting mix and keep them warm until the seeds germinate. Most gardeners buy cuphea plants, which often are grown from rooted cuttings. Allow 12 inches (30cm) between taller varieties.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

This is a great summer flower for areas with hot summers.

Harvesting

Snip off older branches in midsummer to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering.

Troubleshooting

Japanese beetles are fond of cuphea foliage.