Kokia (Angel's Broom) Seeds for Home Gardening

Kokia, also known as Angel's Broom or Burning Bush, is the fine-leaved ornamental form of Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia, family Amaranthaceae). This warm-season annual is grown purely for show: it builds a dense, rounded to columnar bush of soft, feathery foliage that is bright green all summer, then turns a dramatic scarlet to burgundy red as autumn nights cool. The tiny green flowers are insignificant, the foliage is the star, making it a striking specimen plant or a living hedge.

Planting

Surface-sow the seeds and do not bury them, as they need light to germinate; press them gently onto the soil for good contact. Soaking overnight speeds emergence. Germination is best at about 21-24 degC, taking roughly 10-15 days. Direct-sow after the last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier and transplant once frost danger passes. Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Space specimens 60-70 cm apart, or about 20 cm for a dense hedge.

Fertilizing

Apply an all-purpose fertilizer early in the season at planting and establishment. Through the summer growing period, feed with a nitrogen-containing fertilizer to support lush, feathery foliage. Organically rich, well-drained soil gives the strongest growth.

Care

Water moderately to keep the soil evenly moist while young plants establish; needs are medium thereafter, and it becomes heat- and drought-tolerant. Reducing water in late summer intensifies the red autumn colour. It tolerates poor, alkaline and saline soils (pH around 6-7). Site it away from strong winds, since the tall bush can be rocked. It is generally trouble-free, with no serious pest or disease problems.