How to Grow Houseleek and Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum Germination Information

Sempervivum is the botanical name for Houseleek and Hens & Chicks
Sempervivum Seed Germination How to Sow Sempervivum:
  • Sow indoors, in spring or summer, at a temperature of 65-75°
  • Germination will occur in 15-30 days
  • It is not recommended to sow the seeds outdoors

How to Grow Sempervivum:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space 6 inches apart in full sun

Soil: Site in a light, gritty, well drained soil. Tolerant of poor, dry, low-fertility soils, but some species resent winter moisture

Additional Care: For conservatory culture: site in full sun, provide 50° nights, and grow in a sandy soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings

Appearance and Use:

Situate them in borders and rock gardens, use as edging material, and grow as houseplants. Their habits are that of small rosettes of succulent, evergreen leaves from which arise 3-12 inch long flowering stems. The 1 inch, star-shaped, yellow, red, white, pink, or purple flowers appear in clusters in late summer and fall. Sempervivum tectorum, Hens and Chicks, is the most common and best known. It forms 4 inch rosettes and has reddish purple flowers


About Sempervivum:
Pronunciation:  sem-per-vi’vum
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Crassulaceae; native to Europe, Morocco, and west Asia
Common Name: Houseleek, Hens & Chicks