Mexican Hat Seeds - Prairie Coneflower
$3.25
Ratibida columnifera
A robust, drought tolerant native flower that will happily naturalize in any area you’d like to neglect, and will fit right into your cut flower garden too. Blooms last a week or more when cut. Characteristic black, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, deep-red petals with a cheery yellow accent. At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody. Plants grow 12-36" tall. Seeds must be cold stratified for best germination. Outstanding drought tolerance. Prefers full sun in well drained soil. Perennial. (0.25 Gram Packet)
- Planting Information
- Seed Saving Information
| Average Seed / oz | Seed / 100' Row | Average Yield / 100' Row | Days to Harvest |
| 35,000 | n/a | n/a | 75-90 |
| Planting Season | Ideal Soil Temp | Sun | Frost Tolerance |
| After Last Frost | 70°F | Full/Part | Frost Sensitive |
| Sowing Method | Seed Depth | Direct Seed Spacing | Min. Seeds Per Packet |
| Transplant or Direct Seed | 1/4" | 4-6" | 200 |
| Mature Spacing | Days to Sprout | Production Cycle | Seed Viability |
| 12-18" | 10-21 | Perennial | 5-7 years |
Bed Preparation
Prairie Coneflower prefers rich, well-drained soil, but will tolerate low nutrient soils as well. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade.
Planting
Seeds need a period of cold, moist conditions for optimal germination. Direct sow outdoors in fall or stratify seed in a refrigerator for 8-12 weeks before sowing. Sow seeds ¼" deep and 4-6" apart. Seeds will sprout in 10-21 days. Thin seedlings so that mature plants are 12" apart.
Keep adequately moist for first year until plants become well established. Somewhat drought tolerant once established.
Harvest
Pick flowers anytime for cut flowers. Deadheading spent blossoms will prolong blooming time.
Storage
Dry and store plants in a cool dark place.
Seed Saving
Prairie Coneflower is a hardy perennial whose seed matures in late summer/fall. Seed is ready to harvest when dry and brown. Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds are viable for 5-7 years.