Kochia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ growing guide, we'll explore cultivating Kochia plants for gardens, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Kochia is recognized for its unique broom-like appearance and its ability to change color to a deep red in the fall. This ornamental grass can add a touch of visual interest to a garden setting.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Can thrive in a variety of soil types, even poor quality ones.
- General Care: Water moderately, ensuring soil doesn't remain too wet. Plants can be trimmed to maintain shape.
- Tips for New Gardeners: An easy choice for beginners due to its adaptability. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids. This plant is classed as being invasive in many areas. Be sure to check your local regulations before growing this plant in a garden.
Burning Bush, Fireball, & Belvedere: Cultivation & Garden Use
Plants from the Kochia genus are hardy or half hardy annuals. They can that reach from 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) in height. They have a shrubby nature, and are therefore often used as a hedge plant.
The leaves of Kochia plants are green and lance shaped. These turn red in the autumn, making for an attractive hedging plant.
Some of the more common names for these plants include Belvedere, Firebush, Burning bush, and Summer Cypress.
NB. The Kochia genus is now incorporated into the Bassia and Neokochia plant genera.
How to Grow Kochia
When growing Kochia plants in the garden, it is best to sow the seeds on the surface. Do this a couple of weeks before the last frost of spring is expected.
They like to grow in sunny areas which have a soil pH of 6 to 7.
If you plan to make a hedge using Belvedere, then line the seedlings up about 20 cm (8 inches) apart.
If you first plan to grow Kochia indoors, then they should be started about two months before they are due to be transplanted outside. Which should be done towards the end of spring.
You will need to prepare the seeds by imbibing in water for a day. Following this, keep the sown seeds in light, and germinated at 21 to 24 degrees Centigrade (70 to 75°F).
Kochia scoparia / Burning bush photographs by Matt Lavin; creative commons.
Caring for Kochia plant
Once established Kochia plant members are easy to look after. They require frequent watering, and a few regular feeds of nitrogen containing fertilizer, in the summer.
Commonly Grown Kochia Species Photographs and Plant Identification
kochia scoparia
kochia scoparia (Ragweed / Summer Cypress / Burningbush / Mexican Firebrush / Summer Cypress / Burningbush / Mexican Firebrush), photograph by Matt Lavin; CC.
Kochia prostrata
Kochia prostrata syn. Bassia prostrata
Kochia prostrata (Forage Kochia), picture by BLMIdaho; CC.
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Kochia Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Burning Bush, Fireball, Belvedere, Mexican Fireweed, Green Molly, Rusty Molly, Hairy Smotherweed, Forage Kochia, Summer cypress.
- Syn.: Bassia.
- Life Cycle: Half hardy annual. Hardy annual.
- Height: 15 to 36 inches (40 to 90 cm).
- Native: North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
- Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.
- Flowers: Summer.
- Flower Details: Light green, white. Hairy flowers that sprout from strap-shaped leaf axils.
- Foliage: Lanceolate. Flattened. Green through to red.
- Sow Outside: Surface. Before last frost. Spacing: single plants: 20 to 24 inches (60 to 70 cm); hedging 8 inches (20 cm).
- Sow Inside: Soak seeds overnight. Use peat pots. Germination time: one to two weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors towards the end of spring.
- Requirements: Full sunlight. Soil pH 6 to 7. Average soil. Drought tolerant. Regular feed.
- Family: Amaranthaceae.
- Miscellaneous: Forms tumbleweeds. Foliage changes color from bright green in the summer to red in the autumn. Considered to be noxious and invasive in many places. Seeds are used in Japanese cuisine to produce a garnish called tonburi (Land caviar).
Common Questions
How many members does the Kochia genus have?
The Kochia genus contains 10 species. These plants are adaptable and can survive in tough conditions, making them resilient choices for many gardens.
Do members of Kochia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Kochia, particularly Kochia scoparia (Summer cypress), can be a great ornamental plant with its bright foliage that turns red in fall.
Which Kochia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most frequently grown species is Kochia scoparia, also known as burning bush, broom cypress, or summer cypress, due to its beautiful seasonal color changes.
Are members of the Kochia plant genus fragrant?
Kochia plants are not particularly known for having a fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Kochia?
Kochia plants are quite adaptable and can grow in various conditions, though they prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Is Kochia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Kochia scoparia is considered invasive in some states due to its rapid growth and adaptability.
How do I remove Kochia plants from my garden?
To remove Kochia, you should pull the entire plant, including the root system, out of the ground to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Kochia plants belong to the Amaranthaceae family. This genus contains annuals and perennials native to Eurasia. These plants are recognized by their bright red autumn foliage.
Kochia plant prefers to grow in full sun. Use a well-drained soil. Regular watering is necessary for optimal growth. Propagation is typically done through seeds. Sow in the spring after any danger of frost has passed.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Kochia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Amaranthus retroflexusCassia, Hibiscus and Celosia plants.
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