Golden Alexander Seeds
$3.95
Zizia aurea
This beautiful wildflower will bring early yellow color into to your late spring and early summer gardens! Golden Alexanders, also called Golden Zizia, is native to eastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States. They are a short lived perennial but will self seed and spread, and the plants can be divided in early spring or late fall. Golden Alexanders are in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and have beautiful yellow umble flowers that are important to many native pollinators. Historically, the plant has been used for food and medicine. The flowers can be eaten in salads and the stalks are cooked not unlike broccoli. Take care when trying new edible plants, as some are allergic to plants in this family. Golden Alexanders prefer well-draining soil in full sun, but are very adaptable and can thrive in many different conditions.
Golden Alexander seeds germinate best after cold stratification. Gently press seeds into soil surface, seeds should not be planted more than 1/4 inch deep. Can grow up to three feet tall and plant spacing should be between one to two feet. Full sun / part shade. Perennial.
1 gram packet contains a minimum of 200 seeds.
- Planting Information
- How to Grow
- Seed Saving
| Average Seed / oz | Seed / 100' Row | Average Yield / 100' Row | Days to Harvest |
| 60,000 | n/a | n/a | 90-120 |
| Planting Season | Ideal Soil Temp | Sun | Frost Tolerance |
| After Last Frost | 70°F | Full Sun | Frost Sensitive |
| Sowing Method | Seed Depth | Direct Seed Spacing | Min. Seeds Per Packet |
| Transplant or Direct Seed | 1/8" | 12" | 200 |
| Mature Spacing | Days to Sprout | Production Cycle | Seed Viability |
| 12-24" | 21-30 | Perennial | 5-7 years |
Why Grow Golden Alexanders?
Golden Alexanders are native to most of the Eastern United States, and native plants are critical for native pollinators, as they have evolved side by side. By planting flowers and plants native to your location, you will be feeding pollinators who play important roles in our ecosystems. Golden Alexanders are specifically important to many short-tongued insects as their flower nectar is easy to reach in the small yellow flowers. They are a host plant for Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtail larvae and feed Swallowtail caterpillars.
Native Plant Companion Suggestions: Rudbeckia, Joe Pye Weed, Blanket Flower, Eastern Columbine, Coreopsis, Milkweed, Yarrow, Hoary Skullcap, Clustered Mountain Mint, Southeast Native Mix
How to Grow Golden Alexanders
Cold stratify seeds by planting them in fall to early winter to break their dormancy. This can also be forced to break their dormancy indoors by placing seeds on moist sand or moist paper towels and keeping them in the refrigerator for 6 weeks before planting out in early spring. Once established, these plants are little to no maintenance and will readily self seed.
Where to Plant Golden Alexanders
Golden Alexanders prefer sunny, moist but well-draining soil. However, they are highly tolerant and adaptable plants and will live even in shade and poor soils. Choose a location where they can be allowed to self-seed and grow and they will thrive!
How Often to Water Golden Alexanders
Keep seeds moist with full contact to dirt to germinate. Seedlings should be kept moist. However, as a native plant, once established they require little to no maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions as well as heavy rainfall.
Golden Alexanders seed heads turn a beautiful purple in late summer. When you see this purple color, the seeds are ready to harvest. Let the umbel-shaped flower head dry out on the stem and cut the entire head off, store in a bag, and shake to release seeds. You can also pull the seeds directly off the seed heads to save and spread. Store in a cool dry place.