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Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush Seeds

Castilleja integra

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

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: Orange Indian Paintbrush, Squawfeather

Latin Name: Castilleja integra

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert

Seeds per Ounce: 250,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 9 Inches

Color: Red, Orange, Green

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

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~1,000 Seeds) $3.48 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~250,000 Seeds) $16.80 $15.95 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $48.00 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

This spiky orange-red flower is one of the larger varieties of Paintbrush. This native perennial does best in gravelly soil and seems to enjoy the dry heat of the American West.
Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush thrives in the southwestern region of the United States; native plantings can be found in Gila National Forest as well as Grand Canyon National Park. This species was first described for scientific records in 1858 by renowned American botanist Asa Gray, from a specimen gathered near El Paso, Texas. 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" while the species name "integra" means whole, since the leaves of this variety do not have the typical division of most Paintbrushes.

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: Orange Indian Paintbrush, Squawfeather

Latin Name: Castilleja integra

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert

Seeds per Ounce: 250,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 9 Inches

Color: Red, Orange, Green

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

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