Dusty Miller 'Candicans'

Candicans Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria / Jacobaea maritima)

Candicans Dusty Miller is a vigorous and elegant variety, celebrated for its soft, velvety silver foliage and robust, upright habit. Taller and fuller than Silverdust, its broad, gently lobed leaves create a graceful backdrop in garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements. The lush, silvery texture offers striking contrast to colourful blooms, making Candicans a favourite for both fresh and dried bouquet fillers. Flowers are usually removed to encourage continuous, abundant leaf growth and maintain a clean, modern silhouette.

Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, Candicans pairs beautifully with deep purples, rich reds, soft pinks, apricots, and lavender tones—think cosmos, zinnias, roses, and snapdragons—to create romantic, textured displays both in the garden and in the vase. Also known as Silver Ragwort, this tender perennial is usually grown as an annual (Zones 8–10), adding long-lasting elegance and versatile foliage to any floral composition.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly - Needs light to germinate

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 22 - 24°C

HEIGHT: 16" - 24”

MATURITY: 56 Days for containers. 88 for foliage

SPACING: 9-12”

PINCH: 6-8"

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Do not cover seeds, as light is required for germination. A light layer of vermiculite may be applied to help retain moisture. Bottom water or mist gently to avoid displacing the tiny seeds. Once the first true leaves appear, transplant into cell packs or larger containers. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting after the last frost.

Direct Seeding (not recommended): Direct seeding is not recommended for Dusty Miller, as starting seeds indoors provides a much better success rate.

Pinching: Pinching the tops of young plants can encourage a bushier habit, though it is not strictly necessary for this naturally mounding plant.

Soil Preference and Watering: Dusty Miller thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant once established. Keep foliage as dry as possible and avoid watering late in the day to reduce the risk of Alternaria (leaf spot disease).

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for Dusty Miller. It performs best in average to lean soil.

Harvesting: Dusty Miller is primarily grown for its silvery foliage. Harvest stems as needed for bouquets.