How to Grow Kochia Burning Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Kochia burning bush is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the buckthorn family and is also known as the summer cypress. The plant is an evergreen and can grow to be up to 20 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are oblong and green in color. The flowers of the plant are small and white. The fruit of the plant is a blackberry.

How to Grow Kochia Burning Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Kousa dogwood
Burning bush
Smoketree
Korean dogwood
Strawberry tree

Common Knowledge

Kochia is a fast-growing, summer annual weed in the mustard family.
It is native to Europe and Asia, and was introduced to North America in the early 1800s.
Kochia is tolerant of a wide range of soil and climatic conditions.
The weed produces a large amount of seed, which can remain viable in the soil for several years.
Seed germination is stimulated by light, so kochia often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and construction sites.
The plant has a taproot system, which allows it to rapidly outcompete crops and other plants for water and nutrients.
Kochia is an alternate host for several crop diseases, including clubroot of cabbage and blackleg of canola.
The weed can reduce crop yields by up to 80%, and is particularly troublesome in cereals and legumes.
Mechanical control methods such as tillage and mowing are often ineffective, and herbicide resistance is a serious problem.
Proper identification is critical for effective control, as kochia can be easily confused with other weeds.

How to Grow

For kochia burning bush, first step is to find a suitable location. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
It is important to choose a location with well-drained soil.
The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plants root ball.
After digging the hole, mix some compost into the native soil.
Place the kochia burning bush plant into the hole and backfill with the native soil and compost mixture.
Water the plant deeply after planting.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
Kochia burning bush is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much fertilizer. However, you can apply a general-purpose fertilizer once a year in early spring.
The plant does not require pruning but you can trim it back if it becomes overgrown.
Kochia burning bush is a drought-tolerant plant once it is established. However, it is important to water it regularly during its first growing season.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Kochia burning bush prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil, but it is adaptable to a range of soil type as long as it is not waterlogged. It has high drought tolerance once established.

About light

Just like other burning bush plants, kochia requires full sun to thrive. If you live in an area with hot summers, some afternoon shade will protect your plant from the heat. If you live in a cooler climate, kochia can handle full sun all day long.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for Kochia burning bush is a warm temperature. The plant does not do well in cold temperatures and will not survive in freezing temperatures. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will become unhealthy. On the other hand, if the air is too humid, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will also become unhealthy.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this plant requires very little. In fact, too much fertilizer will actually burn the roots of the plant. A light application of fertilizer in the spring is all that is needed. As for the roots, they are very shallow and spread out wide. This plant is not drought tolerant and will need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months.

Light requirement

Pruning a kochia burning bush is important to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Burning bush is a fast-growing plant, so it is important to prune it regularly to prevent it from becoming overgrown. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in spring. The seed should be sown in a good seed compost and only lightly covered. It can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, non-flowering shoots and be around 10 cm (4 in) long. They should be inserted into a propagator or placed in a glass of water on a bright windowsill until new growth appears.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 to 24 inches per year. However, if given the right conditions, some plants can grow up to 36 inches in a single year. The kochia burning bush is a common weed in agricultural areas and is capable of growing in a wide range of soils and climate conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant is that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off. If the problem is severe, the entire plant may die. Kochia may also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, root rot, and rust.

Tips on Growing

Make sure to choose a location for your plant that has full sun and well-drained soil.
Before planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to help improve drainage and nutrition.
Water your plant regularly during the growing season, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and encourage growth.
Once the plant is established, you can prune it back to encourage bushier growth.
Kochia can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so make sure to keep an eye out for signs of this disease and treat accordingly.
Flea beetles can also be a problem, so regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary.
Keep an eye out for any other pests or diseases that may affect your plant and take appropriate action.
Harvest the seed heads in the