{"product_id":"shoofly-black-chinese-lantern","title":"Shoofly\/Black Chinese Lantern","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"998\" data-start=\"414\"\u003eThis stunning annual is a must for the ornamental garden, with its rich dark purple, bell-shaped flowers blooming profusely on tall, upright stems. Shoofly—sometimes called Black Chinese Lantern—makes a dramatic statement in the landscape, attracting pollinators during the growing season and offering continued visual interest into winter. After flowering, the plant develops paper-thin seed husks that resemble small lanterns, which dry beautifully and can be left in the garden for texture or harvested for dried arrangements and crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1260\" data-start=\"1000\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1031\" data-start=\"1000\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Shoofly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1034\" data-start=\"1031\"\u003eThrives in Zones 3–9. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for borders, pollinator patches, ornamental beds and cottage gardens. While not frost-tolerant, it is easy to direct sow in spring for reliable summer blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1615\" data-start=\"1262\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1293\" data-start=\"1262\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1296\" data-start=\"1293\"\u003eShoofly has long been grown in ornamental gardens for its unique form and dried seed husks, reminiscent of the traditional Chinese lantern plant. Though unrelated, its aesthetic similarity and impressive stature give it its alternate name. It has also historically been used as a fly deterrent—hence the name \"shoofly.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1617\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1646\" data-start=\"1617\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1649\" data-start=\"1646\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1663\" data-start=\"1649\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in early spring after last frost or start indoors and transplant once soil warms.\u003cbr data-end=\"1759\" data-start=\"1756\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1773\" data-start=\"1759\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant once established.\u003cbr data-end=\"1851\" data-start=\"1848\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1865\" data-start=\"1851\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors early; harden off before planting out in full sun after frost danger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1617\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2353\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1986\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Shoofly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1989\" data-start=\"1986\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2002\" data-start=\"1989\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 6mm (¼in) deep; space 30–45cm (12–18in) apart.\u003cbr data-end=\"2062\" data-start=\"2059\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2075\" data-start=\"2062\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly until established, then reduce—drought tolerant once mature.\u003cbr data-end=\"2155\" data-start=\"2152\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2170\" data-start=\"2155\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collect dried seed husks at end of season for use in crafts or leave in garden.\u003cbr data-end=\"2253\" data-start=\"2250\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2269\" data-start=\"2253\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deadhead to encourage continued flowering or let plants go to seed for self-sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2640\" data-start=\"2355\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2393\" data-start=\"2355\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2396\" data-start=\"2393\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2414\" data-start=\"2396\"\u003eAllow to Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let seed husks dry completely on plant.\u003cbr data-end=\"2457\" data-start=\"2454\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2469\" data-start=\"2457\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick husks when crisp and papery.\u003cbr data-end=\"2506\" data-start=\"2503\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2524\" data-start=\"2506\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds from husks, dry thoroughly.\u003cbr data-end=\"2568\" data-start=\"2565\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2578\" data-start=\"2568\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dry place; seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2721\" data-start=\"2642\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2666\" data-start=\"2642\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2669\" data-start=\"2666\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2721\" data-start=\"2669\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811182260466,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-041","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Shoofly.jpg?v=1772481888","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/shoofly-black-chinese-lantern","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}