Growing Conditions: Sun to part shade in moist soil
Size: Height 3-6 ft, Spread 2-4 ft
Blooms: July to September
Landscape Use: Pond edge, naturalized area, pollinator garden. Tip – Prune back by ½ to ⅓ in mid-spring to reduce height and increase bloom.
Habitat Value: Provides food for songbirds and attracts a variety of pollinating insects, including swallowtails, fritillary butterflies, skippers, bumble bees, and carpenter bees.
Pests & Diseases: None
Mature Seed Color: Dark green/brown
Use a brown bag to collect seeds from September to October when the seed heads have turned brown and the pappus (tiny hairs in shape of a parachute that aid in wind dispersal) is fluffy. Clip seed heads and place upside down in the paper bag.
Collection & Cleaning Tips: Shake out heads and rub them on a screen. Dispose of heads and use cleaning screens to separate seed from seed head material.
Store clean, dry seeds in a refrigerator (40°F) in a sealed glassine envelope.
Germination Requirements: These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate — a minimum of 30-60 days exposed to temperatures in the range of 40°F and below. Plant in moist soil. Sow outdoors in pots November through February.