Orlaya
Orlaya Seeds - Delicate lacy white flowers, literally the most perfect spring umbel.
Orlaya grandiflora
Approx 20 seeds
Lets talk about them
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I adore orlaya, I think of all the umbels it's my favourite. It's the first to flower and perfectly compliments all the ranunculus in spring and those first summer flowers.
I adore the symmetry too - the way the inner umbels are miniature versions on the outer umbels. It's not messy like ammi or daucus either - another reason to love orlaya.
How to make these beauties grow
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Sow: Autumn and overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame. Or mid spring 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
How: Surface sow and cover lightly. Needs cooler temperatures for germination. Can tolerate light frosts.
Space: 15-20cm
Height: 60-90cm
Where: Full sun
Days to Maturity: 65-70 days
Pick: When nearly all the umbels are open. Seed pods can be dried
Hardy Annual
Notes From The Garden
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Orlaya seeds make me think of trilobite fossils.
Keep picking and it will thank you with more flowers. May required light staking. Cut deeply to get a decent stem length. I recommend sowing as many seeds as you can fit as you will never have enough of this stunning filler in spring.
Orlaya really hates being transplanted. Soil blocking highly recommended.
Photo: Barrhill Blooms