How to grow Acanthus

Acanthus

Acanthus requires little care, it is a strong plant that will grow in full sun or partial shade and is best placed towards the back of the border and allowed plenty of room.
Some species can also take light shade.

Growing Acanthus from seed

Can be grown from seed, but more often and more reliable from root cuttings taken in the autumn or early spring. Dig about 6 to 8 cm of side root and plant vertically in a pot. Grow on at room temperature until it begins to sprout. Pot up individually, and grow on in a cold frame

Transplanting Acanthus

Plants enjoy full sun, and well drained conditions, but some species will tolerate some shade. Give the plant plenty of room and avoid planting near smaller more delicate plants or they may become overwhelmed

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Acanthus is a hardy plant.

Seed Saving Acanthus

Species can be grown from seed, but root cuttings are more reliable and easier

How long does Acanthus take to grow?

These estimates for how long Acanthus takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Acanthus?
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Acanthus Folklore & Trivia

Acantha (Greek: Ἀκάνθα, English translation: “thorny”) was a minor character in Greek mythology. She was a nymph loved by Apollo, the sun god. In one version of the story, Acantha refused Apollo’s advances and scratched his face when he tried to rape her. Apollo then turned her into an acanthus plant. Another version features Acantha as a mortal man who returned Apollo’s advances. The matter of Acantha’s identity is further confused by the fact that the acanthus plant is not a tree, but a shrub or bush, and therefore is unlikely to have had a nymph associated with it. This may simply indicate that it was perceived to be a tree at the time the myth was created.

Other names for Acanthus

Bear's breeches

Footnotes


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