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How to Grow Poor Man's Weather Glass Flowers

Annual, Anagallis Monellii

As its name suggests, Poor Man's weather Glass is a flower that predicts the weather!

Poor Man's Wether Glass is an easy to grow annual flower plant. A member of the Primrose family, Poor Man's Weather Glass is native to Europe, and Western and Northern Africa.  In Europe, it is commonly considered a weed.

This plant displays an interesting characteristic. It  predicts the weather.The flower blooms open up on sunny days. They will close in cloudy weather, if rain is approaching. The 1/4" flower colors include blue, red-orange, scarlet, and scarlet red.

Poor Man's Weather Glass plants grow well in rock gardens, as borders, in cottage gardens, and in containers on your patio or deck.

Other Names: Blue Pimpernel, Scarlet Pimpernel, Red Chickweed, Poor Man's Barometer, Shepherd's Weather Glass.

Plant Height: 6-7"

Did You Know? Poor Man's Weather Glass is actually classified as an herb.

Plant Propagation:

Poor Man's Weather Glass plants are grown from seeds. The seeds germinate slowly.

The seeds can be directly sown into your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later.

For indoor starts, sow seeds 4 -6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Or, sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has past. Cover seeds lightly with 1/4" soil. Water thoroughly once. Then, keep the soil moist, not wet.

Note: For indoor starts, we recommend a heated germination mat to increase  the speed of germination, for a higher germination rate.

Transplant young plants into your garden after the last frost date for your area. Space them 18 - 24" apart. However, the tolerate a little crowding.

Garden Tip: These plants are not easy to transplant. If started indoors, plant in peat pots. Transplant outdoors when the plants are still young. Plant outdoors, taking care not to disturb the roots.

Poor Man's Weather Glass are good self-seeders. Select a planting site where you want them to come back year after year.

Days to Germination:  14 to 45 days!

How to Grow Poor Man's Weather Glass:

This easy to grow plant, grows best in full to partial sun.

It grows well in sandy, well draining soils.

Water regularly, but do not over-water.

These plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. Apply a general purpose fertilizer every 6-8 weeks.

Pinch back growing tips in spring and early summer, to encourage the plants to spread.

Flowers Bloom: Spring /Fall

Insect and Disease:

Poor Mans Weather Glass has few problems with insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

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