Chinese Houses

Family: Plantaginaceae

Genus: Collinsia

Species: heterophylla

History

With tiered, pagoda-like blooms, Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla) bring a unique look to the wildflower garden. Native to California's foothills, they were first admired by naturalists for their charming form. Now grown in Australia as part of meadow-style mixes, they offer something a little different for the flower lover.

Sowing Calendar

Best Months to Plant – Chinese Houses
Climate ZoneJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cool/Mountain✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Temperate✓✓✓✓✓✓
Arid✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Subtropical✓✓✓✓✓✓
Tropical✓✓✓
Cool/Mountain – Chinese Houses
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Temperate – Chinese Houses
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓✓✓✓
Arid – Chinese Houses
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Subtropical – Chinese Houses
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓✓✓✓
Tropical – Chinese Houses
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓

Where to Plant

In-Ground Garden Beds

In-Ground Garden Beds
• Traditional garden beds dug directly into the soil
• Suitable for deep-rooted crops and long-term plantings
• Offers natural soil ecology and drainage benefits
• Requires proper soil preparation and weed management

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden

Pre-treatment

None Identified

There are no pre treatments required for germination.

Sowing Method

Start in Trays

• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves

Direct Sow

• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed

Watering

High

• Requires consistently moist soil, particularly during warm or dry periods
• Best suited to shallow-rooted or leafy plants such as lettuces, leafy greens, and tropical herbs
• May need daily watering in hot, exposed locations or sandy soils
• Avoid letting soil dry out—wilting may occur quickly if moisture is lost
• Use mulch and drip irrigation to maintain even moisture levels

Fertilisation

Frost

Frost Tolerant

These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.

Maintenance and Harvesting

Chinese Houses prefer cool, moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering and prevent self-seeding if not desired.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.

Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.

Leaf spot

Leaf spot describes several fungal or bacterial diseases that create dark, often round lesions on foliage—sometimes with yellow halos. Severe infections cause premature leaf drop and reduced vigour, especially during warm, wet spells or when leaves stay damp.

Reduce spread by removing infected leaves, watering at the base, and spacing plants for airflow. Mulch to limit soil splash and rotate crops. Organic preventatives include copper and sulfur sprays applied early. If disease escalates, registered fungicides offer a chemical backup.

Crown / root rot (Wet)

Crown and root rots are caused by water‑loving fungi that attack stems at the soil line and roots below. Plants yellow, wilt, and eventually collapse because their roots can no longer supply water and nutrients—most common in heavy, waterlogged soils.

Prevention is key: improve drainage, raise beds, and water deeply but less often. Avoid injuring stems at the soil line and rotate away from affected beds. Solarising soil in summer can knock back pathogens. Chemical drenches have limited benefit in home gardens and are best used preventatively rather than curatively.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew appears as a white, talc‑like coating on leaves and stems. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and still air, and can weaken plants by reducing photosynthesis, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop.

Prune for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove badly affected foliage. Organic sprays such as milk solution, potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem help suppress outbreaks. Chemical fungicides are effective when started early, but use sparingly to preserve beneficial organisms.

Slugs & snails

Slugs and snails chew irregular holes in foliage and fruit and can wipe out seedlings overnight, especially in damp, sheltered spots.

Remove hiding places, water in the morning, and use beer traps, boards, or shelters to concentrate and hand‑pick. Copper barriers can deter them. For baits, iron‑based pellets are the safest organic option; use metaldehyde baits cautiously due to risks to pets and wildlife.

Damping off (seedlings)

Damping‑off is a soil‑borne disease that attacks seeds and seedlings, causing poor germination, sudden collapse, or pinched, water‑soaked stems at soil level. It thrives in cool, wet, stagnant conditions.

Sow into fresh, clean seed‑raising mix; avoid reusing contaminated trays. Provide warmth, light, and airflow; water lightly and allow the surface to dry between waterings. A light dusting of cinnamon or chamomile tea is a gentle organic measure; fungicidal drenches are rarely necessary for home growers when hygiene is good.

Growing Tips

• Chinese Houses may grow leggy in shade; provide more sun and trim to keep compact.
• Chinese Houses can struggle in heavy, waterlogged soils; improve drainage and avoid over-watering.
• Chinese Houses performs best with steady moisture and regular harvesting to promote new growth.