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How to Grow Jericho Red

Jericho Red

Anastatica hierochuntica

flower

Jericho Red, also known as the resurrection plant, is a unique desert annual with delicate pink-red flowers and remarkable desiccation tolerance. Native to the Middle East and North Africa, it can survive extreme drought by curling into a tight ball and reviving when water becomes available. This botanical curiosity is prized by collectors and gardeners seeking unusual, low-maintenance plants.

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Example Jericho Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Jericho Red

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Jericho Red blooms

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jericho Red dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
💧
Water: Minimal water required once established; water sparingly during growing season, allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Requires almost no water during dormancy.
📏
Spacing: 6 inches
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Days to maturity: 45-60 days
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Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty soil with minimal organic matter
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand Gravel or pumice Avoid compost or heavy organic matter

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; tolerates hot, arid climates

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination

7-10 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible; plant appears delicate and minimal

Keep soil barely moist until germination; provide warmth (70-80°F); ensure bright light; avoid overwatering

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops thin, wiry stems with small feathery foliage; compact, sparse appearance

Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings; provide full sun; no fertilizer needed

3

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Delicate pink to red flowers appear at branch tips; blooms are small but abundant

Maintain dry conditions; minimal supplemental watering; avoid high humidity; full sun required

4

Seed Development

1-2 weeks

Flowers fade and seed pods develop; plant begins to desiccate naturally

Do not water; allow plant to dry out completely; seeds mature as plant withers

5

Dormancy/Resurrection

Indefinite

Plant curls into a tight ball; appears dead but retains viable seeds; can revive with moisture

Store in dry conditions; no water or care needed; can remain dormant indefinitely; revival occurs upon rewetting

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Desert marigold Gazania Statice Lamb's ear Santolina

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants Shade plants Heavy-feeding vegetables Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

  • Rare in arid conditions; spray with neem oil if needed; improve air circulation

  • Unlikely in natural habitat; avoid excessive humidity; maintain dry conditions

  • Prevent with well-draining soil and minimal watering; improve drainage if present

Uses

🏠

Resurrection Plant Novelty

Household

Jericho Red is famous as a living curiosity that appears dead when desiccated but can revive when exposed to water, making it a popular decorative botanical specimen for collectors and educational displays. [source]

🎨

Dried Arrangement & Decoration

Craft

The curled, dried form is attractive in dried flower arrangements and as a unique decorative accent, maintaining its distinctive shape and subtle color in dried displays. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In Middle Eastern traditional medicine, Jericho Red has been used in remedies for digestive complaints and as a general tonic, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

🦋

Desert Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract native desert bees and other pollinators adapted to arid environments, supporting pollinator populations in xeriscaped gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Allow seeds to fully mature on the plant before harvest. Once plant has completely desiccated and curled, collect seed pods and store in cool, dry conditions. Seeds remain viable for extended periods. For resurrection plant collectors, harvest entire curled plant and store dry; can be revived by placing in water.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Jericho Red can lose up to 95% of its water content and still revive perfectly when rehydrated, a process called anhydrobiosis or 'resurrection dormancy.'
  • 🌱 The plant is believed to be the 'Rose of Jericho' mentioned in biblical and historical texts, making it culturally significant for centuries in the Middle East.
  • 🌱 Once fully dried and curled, the plant can remain dormant for years and will continue to revive repeatedly with each exposure to moisture.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Germination
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