Wingstem Seeds
Verbesina alternifolia
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the wingstem seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Though they prefer rather moist soil, mature plants tolerate some drought in addition to growing in shallow or rocky soil with adequate moisture. Watering in especially dry weather will increase blooming. This plant may self-seed and can be aggressive. It attracts bees, and makes an excellent choice for native plantings.
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 flowers fade, spiky seed heads will develop; gloves may be necessary when handling them. Allow them to begin to dry and turn brown. They should be gathered before they begin to crumble and drop their seed. Cut the seed heads and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Separate the Verbesina Alternifolia seed from the husks, and store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Yellow Ironweed
Latin Name: Verbesina alternifolia
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 7,900
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Height: 80 Inches
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the wingstem seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Though they prefer rather moist soil, mature plants tolerate some drought in addition to growing in shallow or rocky soil with adequate moisture. Watering in especially dry weather will increase blooming. This plant may self-seed and can be aggressive. It attracts bees, and makes an excellent choice for native plantings.
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 flowers fade, spiky seed heads will develop; gloves may be necessary when handling them. Allow them to begin to dry and turn brown. They should be gathered before they begin to crumble and drop their seed. Cut the seed heads and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Separate the Verbesina Alternifolia seed from the husks, and store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Yellow Ironweed
Latin Name: Verbesina alternifolia
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 7,900
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Height: 80 Inches
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies