Scarlet Gaura Seeds
Gaura coccinea
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days; sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 2-4 weeks. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally and mature plants in prolonged drought, since this plant tolerates drought well. This plant adapts well to areas with rocky or sandy soil. Keep weeds down, since too much competition can reduce the plant's growth. When this plant is grown from seed, full bloom will not occur until its second year of growth. Deadheading is not necessary, though it may prolong the time of blooming. This plant will spread easily by rhizomes and self-seeding, and will eventually form a large colony. Do not divide the plants, since they have long taproots that must not be disturbed. This plant attracts butterflies.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small oblong seed pods will form along the flower stalk. They will ripen at different times, turning from green to brown and easily dropping from the stem. Check the plants often to avoid loss. Shake or strip the ripe seeds from the stalk as they ripen, coming back every few days until all the seeds have ripened. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Scarlet Beeblossom
Latin Name: Gaura coccinea
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast
Seeds per Ounce: 2,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 18 Inches
Color: Red, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days; sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 2-4 weeks. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally and mature plants in prolonged drought, since this plant tolerates drought well. This plant adapts well to areas with rocky or sandy soil. Keep weeds down, since too much competition can reduce the plant's growth. When this plant is grown from seed, full bloom will not occur until its second year of growth. Deadheading is not necessary, though it may prolong the time of blooming. This plant will spread easily by rhizomes and self-seeding, and will eventually form a large colony. Do not divide the plants, since they have long taproots that must not be disturbed. This plant attracts butterflies.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small oblong seed pods will form along the flower stalk. They will ripen at different times, turning from green to brown and easily dropping from the stem. Check the plants often to avoid loss. Shake or strip the ripe seeds from the stalk as they ripen, coming back every few days until all the seeds have ripened. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Scarlet Beeblossom
Latin Name: Gaura coccinea
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast
Seeds per Ounce: 2,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 18 Inches
Color: Red, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Deer Resistant