A bright looking edible Heirloom from the 1800's with a beautiful name
Also called Tassel Flower. Emilia Javanica irish poet is a beautiful variety with deep and rich orange, tassel-like flowers. it is particularly well-suited to naturalistic gardens, and has long stems and small, fluffy flowers in clusters - once described as the windswept hair of an Irish poet, The leaves of the rosette are an attractive blue green and the flowers themselves, have flamboyant shades of fiery red and orange. Irish poet tassel flower does not in fact originate from Ireland. There are claims that the plants originated in the Far East, Asia or tropical Africa. What is known for sure is that the annual tassel flower plant was introduced into England in 1799. The Emilia Javanica Irish poet is related botanically to the Asteraceae family. This plant is edible as the blossoms and foliage can be used in salads or soups, adding a unique flavor. This plant is also loved by pollinators. Additionally, the blossoms are said to have antimicrobial and antidiarrheal medicine properties. Always consult a qualified health professional or a qualified herbalist before using this plant medicinally.
Scientific Name: Emilia sonchifolia var. javanica 'Irish Poet'
Plant Life Cycle: Annual, half-hardy
Optimal Germination Temperature: 16-18C
Germination time in days: 7-20 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 75-100 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil
Sowing and cultivation: Sow directly outdoors after last chance of frost has passed from May to into well prepared soil in a sunny spot when temperatures reach around 16-18C. Alternatively sow indoors in pots from April. Sow seeds thinly into drills and thin to 6 inches apart. Keep well watered if sown in pots
