Ballast Toadflax (Linaria spartea) is an annual herb with slender stems and small, yellow, snapdragon-like flowers. It is often found in disturbed habitats.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun.
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
25% intensity
Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging.
Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to warm.
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Tolerates some frost once established.
Low feed.
25% intensity
Does not require regular fertilization. Can thrive in poor soils.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly once the soil has dried out. Ballast Toadflax prefers well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Deep watering occasionally is better than frequent shallow watering.
Pruning is typically minimal for Ballast Toadflax. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming period and prevent self-seeding if desired.
Light trimming can be done in late autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance, but it is not essential for plant health.
Ballast Toadflax can be propagated by seeds sown directly into the garden in autumn or early spring. The seeds require light for germination.
It can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer, which should be rooted in well-draining soil.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Ballast Toadflax, as it prefers to be slightly root-bound and thrives in lean conditions. If grown in a container and it becomes severely root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with a gritty, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ballast Toadflax (Linaria spartea)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Linaria |
| Species | Linaria spartea |
Similar in genus Linaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
