Kochia Red Seeds (SUMMER)

Kochia Red is primarily grown for its attractive foliage, naturally tidy shape and dramatic seasonal colour transformation.

Its fine-textured leaves and dense bush-like growth make it particularly effective for summer borders, pathway edging, mass plantings and temporary ornamental hedges.

Key Features

• Botanical name: Bassia scoparia

• Synonym: Kochia scoparia

• Common name: Kochia / Summer Cypress

• Fine soft-textured foliage

• Green foliage develops reddish to crimson tones

• Attractive seasonal colour change

• Dense bushy growth habit

• Naturally rounded to upright form

• Fast-growing warm-season ornamental

• Excellent for borders and edging

• Suitable for mass planting

• Excellent for temporary ornamental hedges

• Suitable for pots and grow bags

• Heat tolerant once established

• Full sun

• Easy to grow from seed

• SUMMER foliage plant

Recommended Grow Bags

G-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch

Suitable for growing one compact Kochia plant.

G-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch

Recommended for one healthy plant with additional space for fuller bushy development.

G-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch

Excellent for growing several plants together for a dense red-green hedge-style or mass foliage display.

Recommended Soil / Potting Mix

Use:

60% Bhalu Mitti / Sandy Soil + 30% GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost + 10% Cocopeat

The growing medium should be:

Loose, moderately fertile and well-draining.

Kochia is adaptable and can perform well in relatively lean soils once established.

Avoid:

• Heavy compact soil

• Poor drainage

• Continuous waterlogging

Growing Instructions from Seeds

Kochia seeds are small.

For best results:

Surface sow or cover only very lightly with fine growing medium.

Do not sow deeply.

Keep the growing medium:

Lightly and consistently moist until germination.

Seeds can be direct sown into their final position or started carefully in seedling trays.

Once seedlings are established, thin or transplant them to provide adequate growing space.

Germination

Seeds generally germinate within:

7–14 days

under suitable conditions.

For successful germination:

• Use fresh seeds

• Maintain mild to warm temperatures

• Keep the surface lightly moist

• Avoid deep sowing

• Provide bright light

• Maintain good drainage

Plant Spacing

Maintain approximately:

30–45 cm / 12–18 inches between plants

for healthy, well-shaped bushy growth.

For hedge-style planting, plants may be positioned somewhat closer together to create a denser foliage effect.

Sunlight

Provide:

Full sun

For compact symmetrical growth and stronger foliage colour:

6+ hours of direct sunlight daily

is recommended.

Good sunlight also helps produce denser plants and more noticeable seasonal red colouring.

Watering

Water regularly while young plants are becoming established.

After establishment:

Water when the upper soil layer begins to dry.

Kochia becomes relatively drought tolerant once established, but moderate watering supports stronger and denser foliage.

Avoid continuous waterlogging.

Colour Development

Young Kochia plants generally begin with:

Fresh green foliage

and gradually develop:

Red, burgundy to crimson tones

as plants mature and seasonal conditions change.

The intensity of red colouring may vary depending on sunlight, temperature, plant maturity and growing conditions.

Shaping & Pruning

Kochia naturally develops an attractive dense form.

For a more formal appearance:

Light trimming can be used to maintain a rounded or hedge-like shape.

Regular light shaping is especially useful when Kochia is grown along pathways, borders or as a temporary ornamental hedge.

Feeding

At planting time, mix a moderate amount of:

GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost

into the growing medium.

Kochia generally does not require heavy feeding.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as overly rich feeding may encourage excessive soft green growth and delay stronger foliage colouring.

Related Products

• G-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch

• G-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch

• G-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch

• GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost

• Summer Flower Seeds

• Growing Guide Videos – Gardening with Javed Iqbal