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Cup Plant Seeds

Silphium perfoliatum

4.75 (4 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants prefer slightly dry soil and tolerate drought, in addition to growing well in clay or sandy soils. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It will self-seed and can spread rapidly.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flower petals fall from the head, the center cone will begin to develop seed. Remove the seed heads as soon as the stem beneath the cone begins to turn dry and brown. Spread the seed heads out to dry away from direct sunlight, then separate the small seeds from the stems by rubbing them lightly. Store the cleaned seed in a dry, cool place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Cup Plant, Indian Cup, Ragged Cup, Carpenter Weed

Latin Name: Silphium perfoliatum

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

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

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

Seeds per Ounce: 2,100

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Cup Plant Seeds 5.0
Review By Cup Plant

Cup Plant

Received seed in record time! Love the packaging. Seed has been planted and starting to geminate. This is one of many purchases this year to start rejuvenation of and abused pond area on my property......going as with as many native as possible.

Cup Plant Seeds 5.0
Review By Karleen Cole

Wonderful service

Such prompt delivery of ordered seeds....they went in the mail the next day after ordering! The website was super easy to use, and their information on the website and plants packets was very compete. Will order from them again!

Cup Plant Seeds 5.0
Review By Brian

A Powerhouse Food Supply for Pollinators

I bought the seeds for this great native plant back in fall of 2017 and they are blooming for the first time this year. I have three plants blooming this year and all are over 7 feet tall...definitely back of the border-types. The flowers look like bouquets at the top of the stem and have been blooming continuously since early July here in the Nashville, TN area. One of the best things about this plant though is just how many pollinators are drawn to these flowers. It's amazing just to sit and watch them collect nectar and gather pollen! Highly recommend for the native plant gardener!

Cup Plant Seeds 4.0
Review By Jackie

Attracts many insects and self sows well

Cup plant grew well in z6 central PA, survived the winters, and attracted many insects. I recommend dead heading. I had at least 300 seedlings the next spring. Cup plant would have received 5 stars, but removing the seedlings required diligence throughout the summer.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~75 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~2,100 Seeds) $18.77 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $64.00 -+
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $240.00 -+
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $1,080.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $1,920.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

Cup plant seeds are perfect for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, the cup-like leaves of this native plant store rainwater. This tall perennial is a prevalent species in native seed mixes, especially if it is an area with more moisture.
This vigorous native species gets its common name from the "cup" formed by the leaf as it joins the unique square stem. Because these cups tend to store rainwater, insects and small birds often visit this plant. The genus name ""Silphium Perfoliatum"" comes from the Greek word ""silphion,"" the name of a plant with similar properties.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants prefer slightly dry soil and tolerate drought, in addition to growing well in clay or sandy soils. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It will self-seed and can spread rapidly.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flower petals fall from the head, the center cone will begin to develop seed. Remove the seed heads as soon as the stem beneath the cone begins to turn dry and brown. Spread the seed heads out to dry away from direct sunlight, then separate the small seeds from the stems by rubbing them lightly. Store the cleaned seed in a dry, cool place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Cup Plant, Indian Cup, Ragged Cup, Carpenter Weed

Latin Name: Silphium perfoliatum

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

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

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

Seeds per Ounce: 2,100

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Reviews

4.75
Global Rating: 4.75 from 4 reviews
5.0

Review By Cup Plant

Cup Plant

Received seed in record time! Love the packaging. Seed has been planted and starting to geminate. This is one of many purchases this year to start rejuvenation of and abused pond area on my property......going as with as many native as possible.

5.0

Review By Karleen Cole

Wonderful service

Such prompt delivery of ordered seeds....they went in the mail the next day after ordering! The website was super easy to use, and their information on the website and plants packets was very compete. Will order from them again!

5.0

Review By Brian

A Powerhouse Food Supply for Pollinators

I bought the seeds for this great native plant back in fall of 2017 and they are blooming for the first time this year. I have three plants blooming this year and all are over 7 feet tall...definitely back of the border-types. The flowers look like bouquets at the top of the stem and have been blooming continuously since early July here in the Nashville, TN area. One of the best things about this plant though is just how many pollinators are drawn to these flowers. It's amazing just to sit and watch them collect nectar and gather pollen! Highly recommend for the native plant gardener!

4.0

Review By Jackie

Attracts many insects and self sows well

Cup plant grew well in z6 central PA, survived the winters, and attracted many insects. I recommend dead heading. I had at least 300 seedlings the next spring. Cup plant would have received 5 stars, but removing the seedlings required diligence throughout the summer.