Kochia Burning Bush Seeds, Bassia scoparia Flower Seeds
Kochia scoparia • Amaranthaceae • Native to Eurasia
Grow Kochia Burning Bush Seeds, Bassia scoparia for colorful blooms in home gardens. Ideal for borders, pots, pollinator beds, and cut flower displays, with fresh seed packs for easy seasonal planting.
Plant Name: Kochia Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Kochia Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Kochia self-seeds prolifically and is listed as a noxious weed in several US states including Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, so check your local regulations before planting and deadhead or remove plants before seeds mature if you want to prevent unwanted spread.
Botanical profile
Meet the Kochia Burning Bush
Step-by-step planting
Growing Kochia burning bush from seed is straightforward, but timing and soil conditions play a significant role in how well germination and early establishment go.
-
1
Check Local Rules First
Before ordering Bassia scoparia seeds, confirm that Kochia is legal to grow in your county or state, since regulations vary and some areas restrict it entirely.
-
2
Time Your Sowing
Direct sow Kochia burning bush seeds outdoors after your last frost date when soil temperatures have reached at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier in trays near a bright window.
-
3
Prepare a Sunny Spot
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil since Kochia performs poorly in waterlogged ground and will stretch toward light if shaded, losing its naturally dense, rounded shape.
-
4
Sow Seeds Shallowly
Press summer cypress seeds lightly onto the soil surface or cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil, as Kochia seed germination is triggered by light and seeds buried too deeply often fail to sprout.
-
5
Keep Soil Consistently Moist Early On
Water gently and regularly in the days after sowing to maintain surface moisture, but avoid saturating the soil since Kochia seedlings are more sensitive to rot in their first two weeks than they will ever be once established.
-
6
Thin to Proper Spacing
Once seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 18 to 24 inches apart for individual specimens or 12 inches apart if you are growing them as a fast growing annual hedge.
-
7
Water Sparingly Once Established
After plants are 6 or more inches tall, reduce watering significantly since this drought tolerant ornamental does well with minimal supplemental irrigation and excessive moisture at this stage encourages weak, floppy growth.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Kochia Burning Bush Seeds
When should I plant Kochia burning bush seeds?
In most climates, the right window is shortly after the last frost date in spring, once soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In USDA zones 5 through 9, this typically falls between late April and early June depending on your location. Starting seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before that date gives you a head start if your growing season is short.
How long does Kochia take to germinate?
Kochia seed germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days under good conditions, though cooler soil or inconsistent moisture can push that timeline out considerably. Soil temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, and the age of your seeds all influence how quickly and evenly sprouting happens. If you have not seen any activity after three weeks, try a fresh batch of seeds with better surface warmth.
Is Kochia burning bush invasive?
Yes, this is a genuine concern and worth taking seriously before you plant. Kochia scoparia spreads readily by seed and is classified as a noxious or invasive weed in a number of US states and Canadian provinces, particularly in the Great Plains and intermountain West. If you grow it in a region where it is not restricted, removing plants before seeds ripen or using a physical barrier around the planting area significantly reduces the risk of unwanted spread.
How far apart should I space Kochia plants?
For a natural-looking informal hedge or screen, spacing plants about 12 inches apart works well and the foliage will knit together by midsummer. For individual specimen plants where you want that classic full globe shape, give each plant 18 to 24 inches of space on all sides. Crowding plants too closely in rich soil tends to produce tall, weak growth rather than the dense mounding form that makes this plant so appealing.
Does Kochia burning bush come back every year?
Kochia is a true annual, meaning the parent plant completes its life cycle in a single season and will not return from the roots the following spring. However, it self-seeds so freely that many gardeners find new plants appearing in the same area year after year without any effort on their part. If you want to control where it grows, remove plants before seeds drop in late summer or early fall.
Is Kochia burning bush safe for pets and livestock?
Kochia contains compounds that can be toxic to livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, when consumed in large quantities or when plants are stressed by drought or frost, which can concentrate nitrates and oxalates. For household pets like dogs and cats, the risk is generally considered lower but the plant is not considered edible or safe to ingest. Keep grazing animals away from established plantings and consult a veterinarian or local extension service if you have specific concerns for your animals.
Can I grow Kochia burning bush in containers?
Kochia can be grown in containers, though it is not the most natural fit given how large and fast these plants grow. A single plant will need a pot of at least 5 gallons to avoid becoming severely root-bound by midsummer, and you will need to water and fertilize more frequently than you would in the ground. That said, containers do give you a useful way to enjoy this striking red fall foliage annual on a patio while controlling any seed spread.