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Summer Cypress Flower Seeds Packet

$4.95

5 reviews
FREE SHIPPING on seeds when you order 5 packs or more

Summer cypress seeds grow into a fast-growing annual grown for its dense, feathery, cypress-like form rather than for any flower at all. Shido summer cypress seeds are non-GMO and hermetically vacuum-sealed — a fast route to a living hedge shape without a single trim — while standard paper-packed seeds lose germination viability within approximately one year.

It is grown for its dense, feathery, cypress-like form rather than for any flower at all, which most annuals cannot say. By midsummer it forms a dense, rounded shape that looks intentionally sculpted, an effect achieved without a single pass of pruning shears. No flower required; the shape alone does more work than most flowering annuals manage. In fall the whole plant can turn a deep red before the season ends, an unplanned second act that most gardeners discover only after. Every packet ships germination-tested at independent third-party labs before packaging.

Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Annual
  • Genus: Bassia
  • Species: Scoparia
  • Plant Height/Width: 28"
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Difficulty: Easy
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We stand by the quality of our flower seed packets! With high germination rates and vibrant blooms, your garden is sure to flourish. If you're not completely satisfied, we’ll replace or refund—guaranteed!
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Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

How to Plant Summer Cypress from Seed

PlantCare

When to Plant Seeds

  • Outdoors: Seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area. The soil temperature should be at least 50°F (10°C) for optimal germination.
  • Indoors: For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Sowing the Seeds

  • Outdoors: Scatter the seeds thinly over the prepared soil and gently press them down, ensuring good soil contact. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil or compost, as they require light to germinate.
  • Indoors: Fill seed trays or small pots with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface and press them lightly into the mix without covering them too deeply.
PlantCare water

Watering and Germination

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Germination typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on temperature and light conditions.

Transplanting (If Started Indoors)

  • Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart to allow for their rounded growth habit.

Pro Tip

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if the soil is poor, but avoid excessive fertilization, which may lead to weak, leggy growth, and mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

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The Story Behind This Packet

Summer Cypress seeds have been part of the Shido lineup since the collection first opened, grown into a fast-growing annual grown for its dense, feathery, cypress-like form rather than for any flower at all. Every packet is illustrated in the style of early-1900s Japanese woodblock printing, drawn in-house rather than licensed, which means the artwork on this packet exists nowhere else. The seeds themselves are hermetically vacuum-sealed, a packaging choice that has as much to do with the garden as the growing does: a standard paper packet starts losing viability within about a year, while a vacuum seal holds that line for years longer, so the packet in a drawer is still a packet worth planting whenever the moment actually arrives. Shido treats the seed itself as worth that extra step, on the theory that a gardener who buys summer cypress seeds deserves a packet that is still viable whenever they finally get around to using it, not just the season they bought it.

What it's used for

Summer Cypress is prized for both practical and aesthetic purposes:

  1. Ornamental Landscaping
    The vibrant colour shift in the foliage, from bright green in summer to rich hues of red and pink in autumn, makes Summer Cypress a favourite for gardens, hedges, and borders. Its rounded shape adds structure and texture to landscapes, and it pairs well with flowering plants and grasses.
  2. Erosion Control
    With a fast growth rate and deep root system, Summer Cypress is effective in stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion. This makes it an excellent choice for restoration projects or areas prone to soil degradation.
  3. Windbreaks and Privacy Screens
    When planted in rows, Summer Cypress can act as a temporary windbreak or privacy screen due to its dense foliage.
  4. Wildlife Habitat
    The plant provides cover for small wildlife, and its seeds are a source of food for birds and other animals.
  5. Low-maintenance Gardening
    Drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make it ideal for xeriscaping or low-maintenance garden designs.
Growth Requirements

Summer Cypress thrives in a variety of climates and soil types, making it an adaptable and easy-to-grow plant.

  • Light: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sunlight ensures the most vibrant foliage colour and compact growth.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. While it tolerates poor or sandy soils, it performs best in moderately fertile ground.
  • Watering: The plant is drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering during its early growth stages. Avoid overwatering, as the plant does not thrive in soggy conditions.
  • Temperature and Climate: Summer Cypress grows best in warm climates and can tolerate high heat. It is not frost-hardy and will die back with the first hard frost.
Maintenance

Seed Control:

  • Deadhead or remove plants before seed set if containing spread is a priority — this is the single most important maintenance task for this plant, given its documented tendency to self-seed aggressively and its classification as invasive or noxious in a number of regions.

Soil:

  • Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, dry conditions well.

Watering:

  • Moderate watering while establishing; drought tolerant once mature.

Pruning:

  • Pinch or lightly shear to maintain a dense, compact hedge or border shape — this plant responds well to shaping.
  • Minimal pruning otherwise needed beyond seed-head removal.

Feeding:

  • Minimal feeding needed — performs well in average, lean soil.

Seasonal Care:

  • A fast-growing summer annual that turns a distinctive red or purple in fall before frost kills it — this colour change is part of its main ornamental appeal, not a sign of decline.
Pests and Diseases

Summer Cypress is largely pest- and disease-free, though it may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. These can be managed with insecticidal soap or by encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs. Proper spacing and well-drained soil minimize the risk of fungal diseases such as root rot or powdery mildew.

More From the Shido Garden

Every Shido variety belongs to a wider garden of vacuum-sealed packets, each illustrated in-house. For a plant that shares summer cypress's taste for a fast-growing annual grown for its dense, Zinnia brings its own version of that same instinct.

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