Common name:
Tower of Jewels

Origin:
Tenerife, Canary Islands

Description:
The Tower of Jewels is an impressive plant from the slopes of the volcano Teide on Tenerife. It is a biennial plant that makes a rosette in the first year, and in the second year produces an impressive inflorescence with hundreds of pink-red flowers that reaches a height of three meters. The plant prefers a sunny site and can withstand temperatures up to 5 degrees below zero. Remove the plant at lower temperatures to a spot inside.

Germination instructions:
Seeds can be planted in a cold greenhouse and are sown in the spring, during which the temperature in daytime attains around 20-25 degrees Celsius, and cool overnight at 5-10 degrees Celsius. At a constant temperature, the germination is slowed down. Therefore, fluctuation is important. Use sowing mix and provide sufficient light and a constantly moist soil. Germination usually occurs after two to four weeks, but some seeds require a couple of months. 

Sowing time:
January - April

Photo 2: FarOutFlora via Flickr