Fiddlenecks are a species of wild flowering plants that belong to the genus Amsinckia. Many tiny flowers adorn the flower stems, giving them the appearance of the fiddle or violin from which they get their name. These blossoms curl over the top of the plant. Amsinckia, though often regarded as a weed in many places, is related to the well-known garden flowers borage and forget-me-nots (Boraginaceae). Not to be confused with fiddlehead ferns or fiddle-leaf fig plants.
These colorful annuals form clusters atop an upright, bristly stem. The stems can reach a height of 20 to 120 cm, and the majority of the numerous species in the genus have blooms that are primarily yellow with a hint of orange. If you want to cultivate fiddlenecks, keep in mind that the plants will require regular maintenance, including sturdy borders, careful deadheading, and seed removal. Otherwise, you might find yourself with more fiddlenecks than you bargained for. There is a significant reward for all that upkeep and additional work. a beautifully tended patch of a wonderfully odd and distinctive-appearing wildflower with an almost endless blooming season.
Growing Conditions for Fiddlenecks
Fiddlenecks frequently appear near the ocean in low-lying places close to mountain ranges. These annuals, despite being extremely resistant to drought and other environmental factors, die off every year, yet for every flower that was there the year before, four new plants are produced through self-seeding. Full sun, light, soil that drains well, and continuous low moisture levels are all favorable conditions for fiddleneck.
How to Plant Fiddlenecks
Fiddlenecks are easily propagated from either cuttings or seeds, although seed propagation is much simpler and more likely to succeed. Four seeds are enclosed in a calyx and found inside each bloom. Throughout the flowerhead’s life, the seeds ripen. When they reach adulthood, they turn black and shed their hair. To promote germination, sow mature fiddleneck seeds in a very thin layer of soil and water them gently straight away.
Care of Fiddlenecks
To prevent the plant from taking over your garden, gather seeds. Each year, once the final chance of frost has passed, replant them as necessary. To prevent unintentional spreading, deadheads waste flowers and carefully gather any dropped seeds. Once they are established, neither fertilizer nor watering are needed, unless there is a severe drought.
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