Showy Penstemon Seeds
Penstemon spectabilis
- 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 seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. This plant develops rather slowly, and usually begins blooming in its second year. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though they also appreciate occasional watering in especially dry weather. 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 bees, 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 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Showy Beardtongue
Latin Name: Penstemon spectabilis
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: California
Seeds per Ounce: 50,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Blue, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring
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 seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. This plant develops rather slowly, and usually begins blooming in its second year. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though they also appreciate occasional watering in especially dry weather. 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 bees, 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 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Showy Beardtongue
Latin Name: Penstemon spectabilis
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: California
Seeds per Ounce: 50,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Blue, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant