Perennial Spotlight: Purple Pygmy

With a faint distinct smell of bubblegum that attracts hummingbirds, Purple Pygmies are often called Bubblegum Hummingbird Mint, and because of their growth in the area: Texas Hummingbird Mint. Whatever the name, Purple Pygmies are a beautiful perennial that deserves the attention it gets from both birds and humans! Interested in adding some to your garden? If you live in Hardiness Zones 5-10 you are in luck! These bright purple flowers will attracting hummingbirds, and your yard will be the envy of all the neighborhood. Purple Pygmies first bloom from the seed the first year, then grows taller the second year, blooming in the late-summer and fall. You have to be patient to get the best results, but they will sure be worth it! Here is some info from Thomson and Morgan Seeds to get you started on your planting! Sowing Instructions. Sowing is just a fancy word for planting seeds. For your purple pygmy seeds, it's best to sow on the surface in pots or trays with lightly firmed, moist seed compost. Proper germination will take usually 14-30 days, so make sure you follow these instructions for optimal results. Be sure to cover your seeds with just a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite in a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). Be sure to have enough sunlight too, as this will aide proper germination. Growing Instructions. When your seedlings are big enough to handle, transfer them to bigger pots or trays. If they aren't already outside, gradually acclimatise your young plants to the outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting, to avoid risk of frost. When you do plant them, however, make sure to place them 23-30cm (9-12in) for apart for proper growth. Aftercare Instructions. For optimal growth and blooming, be sure to keep your plants in a place with lots of light and water the soil in full sun. Even better results may occur if you can try and avoid wet winter conditions.