Lantana camara | Common Lantana

Planting guides for Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Shrub & Vine seeds can be found at: 

https://bloomoutlet.com/seed-guides/ 

Please read both the seed guide and the plant specific sowing instructions. If you are unsure of the best way to germinate the seeds, DO NOT SOW ALL THE SEEDS. Keep some in case the germination method you use doesn’t work. 

Cold stratify ALL perennials, shrub & tree seeds for at least 30 days unless the plant specific instructions indicate a longer period. 

If you are not ready to plant the seeds, keep it in the refrigerator (not freezer). 

LANTANA CAMARA | COMMON LANTANA


Seed Treatment

  1. Scarification

    • Rub seeds gently with sandpaper or nick the seed coat with a sharp knife.

    • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer layer.

  2. Cold Stratification

    • Mix seeds with moist sand or peat moss in a plastic bag.

    • Store in the refrigerator (40°F/4°C) for 4–6 weeks before planting.

Sowing Instructions

Indoor Sowing (Recommended for Early Start)

  1. Timing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.

  2. Container: Use seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.

  3. Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep and lightly cover with soil.

  4. Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a temperature of 70–80°F (21–27°C). Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture.

  5. Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Mist with water if necessary.

  6. Light: Place in a bright location with indirect sunlight or under grow lights for 12–14 hours daily.

  7. Germination Time: up to 120 days (germination can be slow and erratic).

Direct Sowing (For Warmer Climates)

  1. Timing: Plant outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 70°F (21°C).

  2. Location: Choose a full-sun spot with well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil.

  3. Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and cover lightly with soil.

  4. Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for bushy growth.

  5. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge.

Growing & Care Tips

  • Transplanting: Once seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant them to individual pots or into the garden.

  • Watering: Lantana is drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering during early growth.

  • Pruning: Trim back leggy growth to encourage a bushy, compact shape.

  • Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote flowering.

  • Pests & Diseases: Watch for spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help.

Read the Seed Guide for Shrubs/Vines.

Salt tolerant. Grows in coastal areas. Grows quickly. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Resistant to deer, heat, humidity. 

USES: Houseplant, hanging baskets, groundcover, coastal, containers, butterfly garden, cottage gardens, drought tolerant gardens, pollinator gardens

Botanical Name: Lantana camara

Common Name: Common Lantana, Wild Sage, Shrub Verbena

Type: Erect, sprawling, evergreen Perennial Shrub

Flower Color: The color of the flower changes after pollination from yellow to orange, pink or red 

Flowering Season: Blooms all year in frost free climates. 

Plant Height: 6.5 ft (2 m). In optimal conditions, it can scramble up trees and can grow up to 20 ft (6 m)

Plant Spacing: 3-5 ft (91-152 cm)

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Average, Moist. Tolerates drought. 

Soil Requirements: Well-drained. Average. Tolerates poor soil. 

USDA Zones: 7a-11b (Grown as an Annual elsewhere)

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