From Sticks to Wicks: The Mystery behind Giant Candles
One would think that giant candles are made for very large people or are candles that stand about 4 feet tall in someone’s living room. They actually are both, and giant candles are also the name of a hybrid shrub. It is from the Banksia genus and is a spontaneous hybrid between the Heath Banksia and Hairpin Banksia. This shrub can get quite large, sometimes up to 10 feet tall, and is a very pretty bush with large erect flower spikes that are orange/yellow in color. Thus, the name, giant candles. These shrubs generally attract a lot of birds and bees because the spikes are rich in nectar. It flowers over long periods of time throughout the summer and fall, and is especially pretty in the fall because of the beautiful orange color. Giant candles prefer lots of sun to part shade in order to bloom properly. It drops an enormous amount of seeds, which is another favorite with the birds. The foliage, of course, is evergreen and enjoys lots of iron to keep it healthy.
The Wick Giants
Giant candles are also giant, extra-large and large pillar candles. They can be 3 inches in circumference or 3 feet in circumference, or whatever size your heart and location desires. There are companies who specialize in these large candles. Many of the styles are wedding candles, church alter candles, decorative candles, hurricane candles and outdoor candles. They are featured in museums, ancient ruins and monasteries all over the world. These candles come scented or unscented, and are becoming more and more popular in home décor. They can generally be customized to fit into any location. There are usually 4 to 5 wicks in the larger of the giant candles, because it is hard to get an even burn. These candles have to be watched carefully to get an even burn. Burning this candle for no less than 2 hours at a time will usually give you the even burn that you are seeking. The candle will last much longer when using this rule of thumb. Giant candles are also giant in price. Depending on your desired size, the candle will reflect that price. If it is giant candles that you must have, try making your own. By the time you buy your candle making supplies and extremely large container, you will pay much less than if you had purchased one. You could probably make several candles and sell them for a profit, and still have a candle left over for you.
One of the biggest secrets with these two vastly different giant candles is that the bush is much cheaper than the candle. Buy a shrub and plant it next to your patio. Make a citronella giant candle, pour a glass of wine and enjoy it while sitting outside viewing your orange/yellow giant candle bush. That would truly be the biggest bang for your giant candle buck.
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