Alpine’ and ‘double’ auriculas are most suited to garden cultivation. They thrive best in a moist soil, rich in humus, preferring a well-drained, sheltered site where there is a little dappled shade. Alternatively, plant them in a low patio pot or alpine trough which can be moved to a shady spot in the summer months. When grown individually in small pots they can be attractively displayed in a hand-made wooden ‘auricula theatre’.
In spring, plants benefit from a dose of high nitrogen fertiliser, followed by weekly watering with tomato fertiliser during the flowering season.
Traditionally auriculas are grown in ‘long toms’ (long narrow terracotta pots) but normal clay pots or plastic pots are also suitable.
