Growing Magic Ball Mix Mimulus Garden Seeds

Sow Magic Ball Mix mimulus indoors 12-14 weeks before final frost date because seeds are slow to reach maturity. Seeds are also slow to germinate and will require 10-21 days with full lighting. Once germinated, move to sunny window spacing or fluorescent grow light until four true leaves have developed. Transplant to a shaded indoor spot or harden off and transplant to a similar partially shaded spot in the garden. Plant 3-4 Magic Ball Mix mimulus seeds ¼ inch deep and 8-10 inch apart in Organically-rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil in partial sun to partial shade. Magic Ball Mix is native to hot and humid climates and will perform poorly in dry, arid gardens with poor soil. Mimulus has no serious pests or diseases. Magic Ball Mix mimulus seeds mature in 126-168 days as compact 8-12 inch bushy mounds with a 10 inch wide spread covered in dense 2 inch bicolored blooms in a mix of canary, peach, carmine, ivory, fuchsia, beige, and magenta. Magic Ball Mix mimulus seeds grow a rare edible variety in which the leaves have a slight bitter note as if a cross between sage and mint and the blossoms may be treated like any other edible blossom such as for cooking, frying, or accenting raw salads.

In 2012, the genus Mimulus underwent a taxonomical restructuring in which the genus was reduced from 150 species to only 7 which now include Mimulus alatas (Australia), Mimulus aquatilis (Australia), Mimulus madagascariensis (Madagascar), Mimulus orbicularis (southeast Asia), Mimulus strictus (Africa and India), and Mimulus ringens (northeastern United States). Magic Ball Mix mimulus is a hybrid consisting of various traits from these 7 remaining species. The Mimulus genus earns its common name, Monkey Flower, from the tube-shaped blossoms that are said by many to resemble the fun faces of a monkey. Monkey Flower is an edible variety used for its aromatics to accent many fine dining experiences.