Seed Treatment
How to Cold Stratify:
- Soak seeds in room temperature water for 12–24 hours to soften the seed coat.
- Mix seeds with moist sand, peat, or vermiculite and place in a sealed plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator (not freezer) at 35–40°F (1–4°C) for 30–45 days.
- Check periodically to ensure medium remains slightly moist (not wet).
- After stratification, sow seeds immediately.
Alternatively, you can sow seeds outdoors in late fall, allowing nature to stratify them over winter.
Sowing Instructions
- When to Sow:
- Indoors: Sow stratified seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in early spring.
- Outdoors: Sow directly in the fall or early spring after frost danger has passed.
- Soil Requirements:
- Prefers well-draining soil, such as sandy or loamy soil.
- Tolerates clay if amended with compost or sand.
- Ideal pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Light Requirements:
- Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering and upright growth.
- Sowing Depth:
- Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep.
- Lightly cover with soil and press gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Watering:
- Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, but avoid overwatering.
- Once established, Liatris spicata is drought-tolerant.
- Germination Time:
- Germination typically occurs in 20–45 days, depending on conditions.
- Spacing:
- Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) apart.
Growing Tips
- Liatris spicata is a native North American perennial prized for its tall spikes of purple or white flowers that bloom from top to bottom.
- Attracts pollinators, especially butterflies and bees, and makes a great cut flower.
- Blooms in mid-to-late summer, offering vertical interest in borders, wildflower gardens, and native plantings.
- Low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
- In fall, let seed heads dry for reseeding or bird feeding, or cut back spent stalks.
Plant this stunning perennial for beauty, biodiversity, and lasting performance in your sunny garden!