Red Cypress Burning Bush

Red Cypress Burning Bush is a mesmerizing ornamental plant that transforms throughout the seasons. This fast-growing annual starts as a soft, feathery green shrub, reaching a height of 2 to 3 feet, before turning a striking fiery red in the fall. Its dense, rounded shape makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or dramatic standalone garden accents. This heat-tolerant and drought-resistant plant thrives in a variety of soil conditions, making it an easy-care addition to gardens. The soft, fluffy appearance adds a whimsical touch to landscapes, resembling living sculptures. Whether planted in rows for a striking border or as a focal point in mixed beds, Kochia trichophylla is sure to captivate and impress with its ever-changing beauty.

Also Known As: Fireball Kochia, Bassia Scoparia, Summer Cypress, Mexican Fireweed, Burning Bush, Kochia Scoparia, Belvedere, Amaranth, Red Burning Bush, Kochia Fireball, Red Flame Kochia, Red Spire Kochia.

Plant Name:	Burning Bush, Red Cypress
Latin Name:	Kochia trichophylla, Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	60-110
Plant Height:	2 - 3 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Burning Bush after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 2-3 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 2-3 feet apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Burning Bush thrives with minimal care but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods, to establish strong roots. It prefers full sun to partial shade for the most vibrant red foliage in the fall. Well-draining soil is ideal, and a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Occasional pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. Fertilizing in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer promotes lush foliage and overall plant vigor.