This was an impulse buy last year and somewhat of an experiment. It is far from hardy for me in zone 3 but I understood it could be over wintered indoors. It survived, albeit looking a little worse for wear, and has been putting out new growth since going back outdoors in its container, but I have some questions.
When can I expect it to bloom and what conditions can encourage this? Right now it gets some morning sun; I tried it in a sunnier position but seems to flag in the heat despite being moist, somewhat like a Ligularia. Once the shade returns the leaves become more turgid again. I expect it will need up-potting soon; right now it's in a 14", deeper pot. Could the size of the container be restricting it from blooming or are they just slow? Any particular fertilizer? Any other advice, or suggestions? Thank you!

It sure looks happy and healthy! Our database info for Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) says it prefers partial to dappled shade and bloom time is Late Spring/Early Summer.

Thanks Lin! Yes, I didn't expect to see blooms this year; I guess the question should have been how many years to see it bloom lol.

Update on my acanthus: It's got a bloom stock, about 6" so far!
Now the quandary is if it will bloom before frost hits here.
Typically we get frost late September or early October; a light frost anyway but there was a threat for last night as temps fell to around 3 C. Dodged that, but hope I get a bloom before I have to haul it indoors! Wish me luck! I'll post a pic of it blooming if I can.