Also known as Cigar Plant · 101 saves
Cuphea
Cuphea, the genus most gardeners know as cigar plant. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Cuphea varieties
Browse all 12 Cuphea varieties →
6 species of Cuphea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cuphea in Sow
Save the Cuphea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cuphea
Whats common across all Cuphea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Cuphea year
- PlantMay and June75% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–September75% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
- Pinch TipsMay–July58% of varieties
Pinch back young stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers
- Winter PrepOctober and November58% of varieties
If overwintering, cut back and move indoors before the first hard frost
- PruneApril and August42% of varieties
Lightly shear or shape leggy plants in late winter/early spring
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Use organic fertilizer monthly during growing season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in deep shade
- Don’t ignore pest signs
What goes wrong with Cuphea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects on undersides of leaves | Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery growth on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Cuphea
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in early summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in warm, humid environment for 6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring and keep warm for 2-3 weeks.
Cuphea questions
How many types of Cuphea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Cuphea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 101 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cuphea grow in?
Across its varieties, Cuphea covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cuphea bloom?
Most Cuphea varieties bloom in late summer to fall, late spring to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cuphea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.