Wildflower 'Prairie Coneflower'

Plant this perennial wildflower in your organic flower garden, or grow it in containers. Ratibida Prairie Coneflower seeds are useful for water-wise xeriscaping plans because the plants are native to the central prairies and mountains, and accustomed to drought, high heat, and high humidity. The central cone of each flower is surrounded by lovely bright red petals tipped in fiery sun-bright yellow. The strap-like leaves are bluish green and form a rosette. Avoid getting the leaves wet (or water only first thing in the morning) to prevent the onset of foliar disorders like powdery mildew. Flowers appear from late spring to autumn.


DETAILS:

QTY: 300

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Perennial

DEPTH: Barely Cover

GERMINATION: 10-30 days at 20°-24°C

HEIGHT: 24-60"

SPACING: 12-24"

HOW TO GROW:
Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds to may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (eg, beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, they will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather.