Gilia leptantha is a charming hardy annual producing beautiful violet-blue, almost spherical flower heads on strong, slender stems. Large-flowered, it adds airy colour and delicate texture to summer borders and cutting gardens.
 
Loved by bees and other pollinating insects, this easy-to-grow annual is perfect for cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly planting and informal displays. The long stems make it a beautiful and unusual cut flower for garden-gathered bouquets. Grow in full sun and light, well-drained soil for an abundance of flowers.
 
When to Sow: March – May 
 
HOW TO SOW:
Sow directly where the plants are to flower into finely prepared, weed-free soil. Surface sow the seeds thinly and press them gently into the soil without covering deeply. Water carefully using a fine spray and keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Thin the seedlings to their final spacing once they are large enough to handle.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 15–21 Days
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Light, moderately fertile and well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well-drained
 
Care: Water regularly while the young plants establish. Once established, they require little attention and should only need additional water during prolonged dry periods. Avoid excessively rich soil or heavy feeding, which can encourage soft, leafy growth. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, or leave some flower heads to ripen if you would like the plants to self-seed.
Use: Cut Flower Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Borders
Harvesting: Cut when the flower heads are well coloured and beginning to open. Harvest during the coolest part of the day and place the stems into clean water immediately.
 
Flowering Time : Jul - Sep 
Height: 40–50 cm
Plant Spacing: 20 cm