Leycesteria
formosa, commonly called Himalayan Honeysuckle, is a multi-caned deciduous
shrub in the honeysuckle family that typically grows to 3-6’ tall. It is native
to forested areas of the Himalayas and southwestern China. Hollow, bamboo-like,
upright, powder-gray stems are clad with opposite, undivided, long-pointed,
cordate-based, ovate dark green leaves (to 2-7” long). Small, mildly-scented,
white honeysuckle flowers, subtended by showy deep red bracts, bloom throughout
summer (June – September) in terminal and axillary pendulous racemes. Flowers
are followed by small fleshy edible purple berries which purportedly taste like
toffee or caramel. It is easily grown in average, moist but well-drained soils
in full sun to part shade. Hardy in zones 7-9.
Growing
Instructions for the Himalayan Honeysuckle
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water
for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the
refrigerator and leave it there for 3 months. 4. The seeds like moist,
well-drained soil. Use a sterile seed starter mix or a mixture of half potting
soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. The sterile seed starter mix
prevents soil fungi from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. Put the soil in
a pot. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil. 6. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil that
is 1/16 of an inch thick. 7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8.
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Daniel (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Kayden (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Lucas (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Tyler (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Kai (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.