About Sempervivum
‘Hippie Chicks Mix’ is a winter-hardy, evergreen succulent forming compact rosettes in a vibrant mix of colors. Known for its exceptional drought tolerance and striking architectural form, it’s ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, mixed succulent containers, and indoor decorative planting. Flower spikes appear once per rosette and attract bees when in bloom. Hardy in Zones 3a through 9b.
When to Plant Sempervivum Seeds
If starting indoors, which is best for most gardeners, begin your seeds four to six weeks before your last expected frost. This ensures seedlings are sturdy and ready to plant outside once the weather warms.
If sowing directly in the spring garden, wait until after the last frost and the soil has warmed. Wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F. If you sow your Sempervivum seeds in summer, they will develop into strong rosettes that bloom the following year. Sowing in fall, which is only suitable for mild-winter areas such as zones 7 through 9, should make sure young plants are well-rooted before frost.
Where to Plant Sempervivum Seeds
Choose a full sun location for vibrant color and compact growth. If keeping plants indoors, use a bright, south-facing window or grow lights. The best soil is gritty and drains quickly. A sandy or rocky mix with added perlite, pumice, or coarse sand is ideal. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils.
How to Plant Sempervivum Seeds
To start seeds indoors, fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Sow three to five seeds per pot or cell and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine grit or vermiculite. Keep at 65°F to 72°F and evenly moist but never soggy. Provide bright light immediately after sowing. Insufficient light will cause seedlings to grow weak and leggy. Provide grow lights if needed and expect germination in two to four weeks.
Transplant seedlings into the garden or larger containers 11 to 12 weeds after sowing and space seedlings six to eight inches apart.
If directly sowing outdoors, wait until after frost and sow seeds into prepared, well-draining soil. Lightly cover seeds and keep the area evenly moist until seedlings establish.
How to Care for Sempervivum
Allow the soil to dry between waterings as Sempervivum has low water needs. Avoid overwatering. In spring, a light feeding of fertilizer can be applied but no more than that. Too much fertilizer causes stretched growth.
Sempervivum is exceptionally winter hardy, even in the coldest USDA zones, but protect first-year plants with frost cloth or overwinter plants in a cool, frost-free place. The key is to keep your plants in well-drained soil since sitting in frozen, wet soil can cause root rot. Remember: best drainage = best survival.
Each rosette blooms once and dies, but new offsets, or “chicks” replace them, forming dense clusters.
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like sedums for a long-lasting, low maintenance display.