Sempervivum — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Sempervivum tectorum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 7.6–15.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant offsets ('chicks') in spring or fall by pressing them onto the surface of very well-drained, sandy to gravelly, lean soil in full sun — they need almost no soil depth and anchor themselves quickly; hens and chicks are among the hardiest and most drought-tolerant succulents for cold-climate gardens, forming tight rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves in an extraordinary range of colors from green to burgundy, purple, silver, and bicolor depending on cultivar. The 'hen' rosette blooms once (typically in year 2 or 3) with a dramatic starburst flower stalk, then dies, but leaves behind dozens of 'chicks' that fill the gap. Outstanding for rock gardens, green roofs, wall crevices, alpine troughs, dry stone walls, and containers; they thrive on negligence and rot immediately in wet, poorly drained conditions.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0