Schizanthus pinnatus "Angel Wings" Poor Mans Orchid

The farmer's orchid ( Schizanthus pinnatus ) is one of those flowers that makes you look twice. It blooms profusely with playful, orchid-like flowers in soft shades of pink, purple, and lilac.
A real eye-catcher in the garden , but also surprisingly beautiful as a cut flower in a vase.

This flower has a funny name in English: "Poor Man's Orchid"
I tested the 2021 season and was so pleased with the abundant blooms that I just had to save some seeds. A mix of all sorts of colors: purple, pink, lilac. The flowers resemble miniature orchids. They have a vase life of about 10 days.

🌱 Sowing Schizanthus pinnatus (farmer's orchid)

It is best to sow the farmer's orchid from February onwards , indoors or in a greenhouse.

• Sow on the potting soil (do not cover)

• Keep the soil slightly moist

• Prick out as soon as the plants are strong enough

☀️ Location & care

Schizanthus prefers a sunny to lightly shaded spot in well-drained soil. I also plant them in large flowerpots.

• Regular water (but no wet feet)

• Sheltered from strong winds

• Regularly removing faded flowers prolongs flowering

Once established, this is a rewarding, easy annual that continues to flower for weeks.

📦 Product information at a glance

• Botanical name: Schizanthus pinnatus

• Dutch name: Farmer's orchid

• Type: Semi-hardy annual flower

• Height: ± 40–50 cm

• Location: Sun to light partial shade

• Sowing: February – May

• Flowering: Spring – Summer

• Suitable for: Border, pots, picking garden & vase