When to Plant Gayfeather Seeds
Direct Sow outdoors in the Fall after the first killing frost. For climates with mild winters, seeds can be sown outdoors after a 12 week cold stratification, and outdoor soil temperatures reach a consistent 65°F.
Where to Plant Gayfeather Seeds
Gayfeather thrives in Full Sun conditions, but it can tolerate a little bit of light shade. Partial Shade conditions would not be ideal for Gayfeather, however. Gayfeather does best in soil of low-to-average richness, that is well-draining as well. Soggy conditions make this variety susceptible to root rot.
How to Plant Gayfeather Seeds
Gayfeather seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
Sow seeds onto the surface of the soil, and compress firmly. Do not cover your Gayfeather seeds, as they’ll require sunlight to germinate.
How to Care for Gayfeather
Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin or transplant them to a spacing of 8-12 inches apart. Once established, Gayfeather is drought tolerant – manual watering is only needed during extended drought periods. After plants have come up, you can mulch around them to decrease any maintenance needs. After a few years, Gayfeather will likely become overcrowded. Dig up your tuber roots, separate them out, and then replant.
