Pale Beardtongue Seeds
Penstemon pallidus
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the Pale Beardtongue seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. The Penstemon Pallidus seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established; mature plants tolerate drought well because of a well-developed tap root, though they also appreciate occasional watering. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
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, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the Penstemon Pallidus seeds as soon as the pods have begun to open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the Pale Beardtongue seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Penstemon pallidus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 180,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the Pale Beardtongue seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. The Penstemon Pallidus seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established; mature plants tolerate drought well because of a well-developed tap root, though they also appreciate occasional watering. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
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, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the Penstemon Pallidus seeds as soon as the pods have begun to open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the Pale Beardtongue seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Penstemon pallidus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 180,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant