Harlequin Bear's Ear is a relatively unknown species in our country (the Netherlands). Harlequin Bear's Ear mixed consists of a mixture of large, shiny, daisy-like flowers in various shades: yellow, orange, cream white, pink, red, crimson and white. The flowers all have a contrasting ring and heart in the middle. The flowers stand on sturdy, hairy stems and are surrounded by equally hairy leaves. The hairs are downy hairs that give both the leaves and the stems a silver-grey appearance. It is a beautiful, lovely flower that originally comes from South Africa. Harlequin Bear's Ear is a member of the composite family (Asteraceae) just like: Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Greater Burdock, Toothseed, Marigold, Wormwood, Daisy, Lettuce, Sunflower, Cross Thistle, Cornflower, Endive, Globe Thistle, Real Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Road Thistle and Dandelion. Bear's Ear flowers are often confused with Gerberas and Daisies.
Bear's ear can be grown in all types of soil. It does need a very sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Less than 7 hours of sunlight isn't enough. Bear's ear Harlequin is very popular with bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other useful insects. Bear's ear can easily be grown in large pots or containers. This means that people without a garden can also enjoy these beautiful flowers. This very decorative plant can also be kept as a dried flower. This non hardy perennial is grown as an annual in our climate (the Netherlands). Remove the faded flowers regularly. Bear's ear is also a beautiful cut flower. Pick the flowers preferably early in the morning. Bear's ear blooms from July till October. Non hardy annual. Height: 30 - 60 cm.
Indoor sowing: April - May
Outdoor sowing: middle of May - June
Germination: 21 - 25 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 23 C°
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 30 - 40 cm
Planting position: sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: July - October
Sow indoors from the beginning of April. Sow in trays filled with well-moistened seed compost. Sow shallow and thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sieved potting compost or press the seeds gently into the soil. Cover the trays with a lid to keep the moisture inside. Keep the temperature as even as possible and don't let the temperature drop, especially at night. These seeds need a minimum temperature of 20 C ° to germinate, but a higher temperature is better. The germination time is quite long and requires some patience from the sower. Keep moist and weed-free.
Remove the lid as soon as the seedlings emerge. From the beginning of May, as soon as there is no longer any risk of night frost, the seedlings can be repotted. After this, the pots can be placed outside during the day to harden off. This hardening off period lasts 7-10 days. Then place the young plants in a very sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Keep them apart for 30 - 40 cm.
Sow outdoors from mid-May, as soon as there is no longer any risk of night frost. Sow thinly and superficially. Press or rake the seeds gently into the soil. Provide a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Depending on the temperature, weather and other conditions, it can take 21 - 25 days for the seedlings to emerge. Thin out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle. Remove weeds and keep the seeds moist. Provide a space of 30 - 40 cm between the plants. Deadhead spent flowers regularly. Bear ear is also a beautiful cut flower. Pick the flowers early in the morning.
