Planting Instructions for Gayfeather (Liatris) Seeds
- Location: Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil. Gayfeather tolerates drought and poor soil once established.
- When to Plant:
- Outdoors: Sow Todd’s Seeds Gayfeather seeds in fall or early spring.
- Indoors: Start seeds 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Cold stratification improves germination.
- Cold Stratification (Recommended): Mix seeds with moist sand or peat moss in a sealed bag and refrigerate for 4–6 weeks before planting.
- Soil Prep: Loosen soil and mix in compost if needed. Ideal soil pH is 5.5–7.0.
- Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. Lightly cover with soil or press into the surface.
- Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–15 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination (14–30 days). Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.
- Care: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. No staking is needed for most varieties.
- Bloom Time: Mid-to-late summer. Gayfeather produces tall spikes of purple or white flowers that attract pollinators and are excellent for cut or dried arrangements.