Growing Conditions: Full sun in dry to medium soil
Size: Height 1-2 ft, Spread 0.5-1 ft
Blooms: September to October
Landscape Use: Rock garden, naturalized area
Habitat Value: Attracts a variety of pollinating insects, including bees, flies, butterflies, moths, skippers, and beetles.
Pests & Diseases: None
Mature Seed Color: Purple to dark brown/black with many hairs
Use a brown bag to collect seeds from October to November when the seed heads have turned brown and the pappus is fluffy.
Collection & Cleaning Tips: Pinch pappus between thumb and index fingers and pull to release seeds from flower bract material. Remove as much pappus as possible. Use seed cleaning screens to separate seeds from plant 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.
