Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) is grown as an annual for its silvery leaves and yellow or white flowers that resemble daisies, as well as the ease of which it is grown from seed.
Sow seeds indoors in February in a moist, sandy and well-drained soil. Do not cover the seeds, because light is necessary for germination. Keep the containers in a location that gets plenty of sunlight with temperatures between 65 and 70˚F (18 and 21˚C).
Transplant the seedlings when their first set of mature, felted leaves appears, or set out bedding plants at the time of your last spring frost.
You can also take cuttings of dusty miller, severing 3-inch (7.6 cm) long stems from the mother plant. The felt-like covering on the stems inhibits root formation, so gently scrape the felt off the lower inch of the cutting with a sharp knife. Bury the scraped part of the stem in sandy potting soil, making sure to firm the soil around the stem. Moisten the soil around the cuttings when you first insert them, but don’t water again until the soil is dry. They should make roots and be ready to transplant into the garden in three to four weeks.
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Dusty miller grows best in moist, sandy soil.
