Mexican Cigar Plant (Cuphea Ignea Coan White) - Cuphea Ignea seeds produce a showy plant that has several common names: Mexican Cigar Plant, Cigar Plant, Firecracker Plant, and Cigarette Plant. As the name suggests, the blooms are cylinder-shaped (like a cigar) this one is white and it blooms continuously once established from flower seeds. If you do not get frost in your area, the Cigar Plant will be an evergreen perennial. However, Cuphea Ignea plants are best treated as annuals in temperate areas and grown fresh each year from flower seeds.
To get a jump start, start the Mexican Cigar Plant seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Press the flowers seeds into the surface of the soil but do not cover. Keep the flower seeds moist. Transplant outdoors once frost danger has passed. Seedlings can be pinched back to promote a bushy growth habit. For areas with a long growing season, the Cuphea Ignea seeds can be started directly outdoors in a weed-free prepared seedbed. Cigar Plants prefer rich, evenly moist soil that drains well and a position if full sun to partial shade.
Flower Specifications
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Season: Perennial
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USDA Zones: 8 - 11
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Height: 10 inches
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Bloom Season: Spring until first frost
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Bloom Color:WHITE
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Environment: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Type: Humus rich soil, dry, no specific soil pH
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Deer Resistant: Yes
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House Plant: No
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Latin Name: Cuphea Ignea
Planting Directions
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Temperature: 70F
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Average Germ Time: 10 -15 days
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Light Required: Yes
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Depth: Seeds should be planted on the surface of the soil
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Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
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Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
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Plant Spacing: 10 - 14 inches
