skip to main content

Just got my Tiki Torch Ech., told to cut it down to bottom?

13 years ago

Hi, i just got my Tiki Torch Ech. this morning for $10. It is pretty healthy looking, but only 1 bud on nice sturdy stem. The nursery owner told me i should cut it down at the base to promote a fuller, bushier plant. What do you Ech. owners think about that? Should i cut or not?

{{gwi:236169}}

I also ordered my Tomato soup today for $10. I have a good connection going with this perennial farm.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

mayhem69
Original Author
13 years ago
Well cancelled that Tomato Soup order for $10. Just found a nursery near me today that had them for $6 after 40% off sale. I bought 2 of them and some neon sedum. The nursery owner there said the same thing, to cut them down to promote a fuller plant, so i did on them and the Tiki. I planted the Tomato Soup next to Harvest Moon. Can't wait to see the TS in bloom.
funnthsun z7A - Southern VA
13 years ago
OMG, I totally envy you! The cheapest I can find in my area is about $16 bucks!!! You will absolutely love the Tomato Soup. I have two of them and what I love about them the most is that the cones come out lime green! They stay that way for several days until they darken up and the contrast of the red (which doesn't come out as a tomato soup red, by the way) and the lime green is just beautiful. I'll see if I can snap a pic of mine tomorrow. The red coloring is much prettier than on the tag, just deeper--Oh, I can't describe it!

OK, I think I've turned into a fanatic. These new varieties of echinacea are sending me over the edge.
Related Discussions
This is Making Me Very Sad. Can You Help My Tiki Torch?
Q
Comments (63)
* the tiki is not over watered, unless as I stated it is by Mother Nature herself Don't write this off as the problem. A lot of people write like zones are the be all and end all of what is going to survive where. However, any reasonable discussions of climate have to also cover humidity and rainfall. There are a lot of plants that are at least as picky over the moisture levels as they are about temperature, and E. paradoxa has always been on that list. As somebody already mentioned, this is a prairie plant that is adapted to a climate that averages between 20" and 30"of rain a year. Trying to grow that type of plant in a climate that gets twice that requires certain adjustments to thinking. In other words, pretend it is a cactus that requires chill hours to thrive. And yes, I've known people to deliberately plant things like this under the house overhangs to keep them dry.
...See More
Terra Nova Responds About Echinacea 'Tiki Torch'
Q
Comments (61)
Just a few thoughts: In an ideal world, plants should be tested thoroughly before being put on the market just like any other product, but there are so many variables with plants: region, heat tolerance, cold tolerance, different soil conditions, etc. New cultivars are typically produced by individuals and small nursery operations, not large corporations with lots of resources. So, to get your plants into QA so to speak, you have to rely on other nurserymen and universities around the country to test your plants for several years. That takes a huge effort and coordination with people outside the sphere of your control. If the margin of profit is small, the producer probably has to weigh whether it's worth it. Also, there are probably others working on the same type of hybridization, so there's pressure to get your cultivars to market before someone else does. I don't assume that every new cultivar will or should do well in my garden even if its touted to. That's why I come to sites like this to compare notes and I appreciate when others do share their experiences with the new cultivars. It gives me a clue (not a guarantee) whether a specific plant would also work for me. So, while I think alot of the info in this thread is valuable stuff, I really can't blame the failure of these plants for different individuals on conspiracy or greed. I just file it under: "Nice to know....maybe I'll wait and see how others are doing with these plants before I go out and purchase a slew of them."
...See More
Echinacea 'Tiki Torch'
Q
Comments (9)
I love these! Thanks for the pictures. I have been wanting this one, and Mango meadowbright, since I saw them at the MN Arboreteum, I think 2 years ago, although it might have been last year. No one around me carries them! I will have to see about getting some next spring. I think these would look great in a bed I have with some heliopsis, liatris, rudbeckia and maltese cross. All which are either blooming now, or will be soon. Jenny P
...See More
Is it death by Tiki Torch?
Q
Comments (6)
Meant to post a follow-up. I dug out 3 to 4 inches of the topsoil, then put the soapy waters solution on, then sprayed till the water filled up the hole, and then sprayed the bubbles/top layer off to the side. I filled it in with fresh dirt. It was like my own little Exxon Valdez clean up. LOL I've been keeping an eye on the foliage and I haven't seen any ill effects so far. I actually read an article online that there is some bacteria in soil that will actually process the oil into biomass and nutrients...who knows. Eric
...See More
mayhem69
Original Author
13 years ago
How about it funnthsun, i am totally addicted to these beautiful plants now. I am getting a 60 ft. pin oak tree cut down just to give them more sun. LOL I want to get Mac N Cheese next and some sort of pink.
I was on the Terra Nova site and it said on there Mac N Cheese plugs were $2.99. Don't know about shipping though. Anybody order from Terra Nova?
Also, could you please post a picture of your TS, i would love to see it.
echinaceamaniac
13 years ago
I suggest cutting the Tiki Torch bloom stalk off but not the Tomato Soup. Tomato Soup seems to be a better growing plant than Tiki Torch.
funnthsun z7A - Southern VA
13 years ago
Here is my Tomato Soup! The cone was actually greener yesterday, FYI. Isn't it beautiful!

Also, I threw in my mystery yellow ech. They were supposed to ship me a Tiki, but this came instead and they told me from a pic I sent that it was a Harvest Moon but no way is it that. I have Harvest Moons and they look nothing like this guy. It's a mystery!

{{gwi:236170}}

{{gwi:234416}}
mayhem69
Original Author
13 years ago
That Tomato Soup is beautiful! I hope i get some descent blooms on mine late summer.
funnthsun z7A - Southern VA
13 years ago
Just wanted to say ignore my post about the Mystery Yellow. I started a new thread for the ID on that one. Didn't want to take over the Tiki discussion. Thanks!

Related Stories

DIY PROJECTS How to Make a Top-Down, Bottom-Up Window Shade

Block light and control privacy high or low with a no-frills magnetic covering you can whip up for less than $30

HOUSEKEEPING Got a Disastrously Messy Area? Try Triage

By Alison Hodgson

Get your priorities straight when it comes to housekeeping by applying an emergency response system

VINTAGE STYLE Bet Your Bottom Dollar on Cane Chairs for Stylish Seating

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

Cane and Chippendale-style chairs are so easy to customize, you can make one work in a dining space or home office of any style

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

HOLIDAYS How to Care for Your Christmas Tree

By Therese Ciesinski

Keep your tree looking lush until the last ornament is packed away with these tips for watering, using stands and more

DECORATING GUIDES How to Remove Wallpaper in 4 Steps

By Christine Tusher

Learn the best way to remove wallpaper with only water (and elbow grease) so your next wall treatment will look great

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

LIFE 9 Ways to Appreciate Your House Just as It Is

By Laura Gaskill

Look on the bright side — or that soothingly dark corner — to feel genuine gratitude for all the comforts of your home

DREAM SPACES Just a Few Things for the Dream-Home Wish List

A sunken hot tub, dedicated game room, tree house, hidden wine cellar and more. Which of these home luxuries would you like best?

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Reasons to Love Banquettes (Not Just in the Kitchen)

By Laura Gaskill

They can dress up a space or make it feel cozier. Banquettes are great for kids, and they work in almost any room of the house

More Discussions

Fuchsia starts for the PNW?

6

How do you sharpen your pruners and loppers?

8

Do you use a rolling seat in the garden?

26

Agapanthus can be "reliable" in a zone....6?

1

It's miraculous

8