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Indian Paintbrush Seeds

Castilleja coccinea

5.00 (2 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To break its dormancy, this seed needs to be stratified; mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60-90 days before planting. In the spring, plant the seed on the surface of loose soil at the base of a larger plant. Since this plant is hemiparasitic, it needs a "host" plant to aid it in receiving necessary nutrients from the soil. For fall planting, sow untreated seed on the surface of loose soil near other plants, or sow a low-growing native grass along with the seed. This plant seems to grow well with Penstemon, as well as various native, low growing grasses and sedges. Germination may be slow and irregular. Transplanting is not reccomended.

Growing: This plant prefers sandy or average soil, but also adapts well to rather moist soil with good drainage. It develops rather slowly and will not bloom until its second year. Since seedlings are very sensitive to drought, water them evenly and regularly during their first season; mature plants may also need occasional watering, since they do not tolerate extensive drought. This plant will wither and die once its seed has been produced, but volunteer seedlings may grow from dropped seed. This plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They are rather difficult to grow in the garden, but make a lovely addition to prairie plantings or native meadows.

Harvesting: This rare wildflower is best displayed in the garden or prairie, where it will develop seed to preserve its growth for future generations. Keep in mind that its leaves are highly toxic.

Seed Saving: Small pods will form at the tops of the stalks. These pods will split and release their seeds when dry, and should be harvested before that point. As soon as the pods begin to feel dry and start to turn color, remove them and spread them out to dry. Thresh the dried pods to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Scarlet Indian Paintbrush

Latin Name: Castilleja coccinea

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 300,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Red, Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Fall

Indian Paintbrush Seeds 5.0
Review By Paula Byrd

Fast , Easy and Beautiful

I was so excited about my order for my seeds. Great News, unlike so many other places , they were prompt and fast delivery. Service was great!

Indian Paintbrush Seeds 5.0
Review By Laurie B

Excited to Plant

I have been searching for quite sometime to find these seeds. I live part time in Wyoming and wanted to bring these to my home in Nashville. Love the packaging.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~800 Seeds) $3.96 Notify Me
1/64 Oz Mylar (0.44g) $12.00 Notify Me
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $36.00 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $105.00 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~300,000 Seeds) $300.00 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

Paint the landscape with these brilliant red blooms! One of the most well-known and loved wildflowers, this variety grows across much of the western United States and can tolerate drought quite well.
Indian Paintbrush, one of the most well-known and loved wildflowers, grows over much of the western United States. Nearly 150 different varieties of this species exist, one of which has been named Wyoming's official state flower. This species was first described for scientific records in 1825 by noted German botanist Kurt Sprengel. Indian Paintbrush is classified as hemiparasitic, meaning that it relies on the roots of nearby plants to receive some of the nutrients it needs; this does not harm other plants. Indian Paintbrush itself is a host plant for several species of butterflies in the Checkerspot family. Its stunning scarlet "flowers," actually bracts that hide the inconspicuous true flowers, inspired their common name because they appear to be dipped in paint. The genus name "Coccinea" means "scarlet."

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To break its dormancy, this seed needs to be stratified; mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60-90 days before planting. In the spring, plant the seed on the surface of loose soil at the base of a larger plant. Since this plant is hemiparasitic, it needs a "host" plant to aid it in receiving necessary nutrients from the soil. For fall planting, sow untreated seed on the surface of loose soil near other plants, or sow a low-growing native grass along with the seed. This plant seems to grow well with Penstemon, as well as various native, low growing grasses and sedges. Germination may be slow and irregular. Transplanting is not reccomended.

Growing: This plant prefers sandy or average soil, but also adapts well to rather moist soil with good drainage. It develops rather slowly and will not bloom until its second year. Since seedlings are very sensitive to drought, water them evenly and regularly during their first season; mature plants may also need occasional watering, since they do not tolerate extensive drought. This plant will wither and die once its seed has been produced, but volunteer seedlings may grow from dropped seed. This plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They are rather difficult to grow in the garden, but make a lovely addition to prairie plantings or native meadows.

Harvesting: This rare wildflower is best displayed in the garden or prairie, where it will develop seed to preserve its growth for future generations. Keep in mind that its leaves are highly toxic.

Seed Saving: Small pods will form at the tops of the stalks. These pods will split and release their seeds when dry, and should be harvested before that point. As soon as the pods begin to feel dry and start to turn color, remove them and spread them out to dry. Thresh the dried pods to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Scarlet Indian Paintbrush

Latin Name: Castilleja coccinea

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 300,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Red, Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Fall

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 2 reviews
5.0

Review By Paula Byrd

Fast , Easy and Beautiful

I was so excited about my order for my seeds. Great News, unlike so many other places , they were prompt and fast delivery. Service was great!

5.0

Review By Laurie B

Excited to Plant

I have been searching for quite sometime to find these seeds. I live part time in Wyoming and wanted to bring these to my home in Nashville. Love the packaging.

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