Seed Treatment:
• Cold Stratify: 4 weeks prior to sowing. Store in a damp paper towel or damp sand in the refrigerator.
• Seeds are very fine and should be surface sown.
• Optionally, soak in room-temperature water for 6–12 hours to improve moisture absorption.
• Do not cover the seeds with soil — they need light to germinate.
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Outdoors: Direct sow in late spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Sowing Instructions:
• Use a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Gently press seeds into the surface of moist soil — do not bury.
• Cover trays with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
• Maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C).
• Typical germination time: 10–14 days
• Maximum germination time: up to 30 days, especially if temperatures fluctuate or moisture is inconsistent.
Light Requirements:
• Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
• Seedlings also need bright light — use a sunny windowsill or grow light indoors.
Soil Requirements:
• Tolerates poor, sandy, or dry soil but prefers well-draining, average garden soil.
• pH range: 5.5–7.5
Watering:
• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• Once established, drought-tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells.
Spacing & Transplanting:
• Transplant when seedlings have at least 2–3 sets of true leaves.
• Space plants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart.
Growing Tips:
• Produces large, flat clusters of bright yellow flowers and attractive fern-like foliage.
• Blooms in mid to late summer.
• Great for cut flowers, borders, and pollinator gardens.
• Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9.
• May self-seed mildly if not deadheaded.