How to Grow Euphorbia

These perennials (meaning they grow back year after year) are interesting additions to the garden with their orange, red, chartreuse or yellow flower heads.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Gardening Gloves
• Mulch
• Plants
• Seeds

Planting Euphorbia

1. Plant euphorbia in full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. Set the plants 1 foot apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Choosing Euphorbia

1. Look for plants at nurseries in late spring and through the summer.

2. Buy euphorbia in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaf and flower bud.

Caring for Euphorbia

1. Cut off any remaining stems from the previous year in early spring using bypass pruners.

2. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer on top of the soil; follow package directions.

3. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

4. Water well until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.

Tips & Warnings

• The milky sap of euphorbias can irritate the skin - be sure to wear gloves when cutting stems.