Skullcap Seeds - Hoary Skullcap
$3.95
Expected to be back in stock by March 2025
Scutellaria incana
This hardy, mounding perennial with light violet-blue flowers will become a favorite in any native pollinator garden. A member of the mint family, Scutellaria incana is known as Hoary Skullcap or Downy skullcap. Skullcap got its name from the calyx of the flower, which is shaped like a helmet. Hoary Skullcap is native to most of the Eastern United States, stretching from Texas to Wisconsin, and Florida to New York. Hoary skullcap will bring lots of pollinators to your wildflower garden, but especially bumblebees!
Hoary skullcap prefers to grow in areas such as open meadows, clearings, and streams with dappled sunlight and well draining soil, but it will tolerate full sun if there is enough moisture. It can spread due to its rhizomes, so plant it in a container if you do not want it to spread. Hoary skullcap is deer and rabbit resistant because of its bitter tasting leaves. Once established, it is very hardy and will be fine with drought conditions and heat. Prefers moist, well drained soil but will tolerate clay, sandy, and poor soils.
Plant Height 3 feet. Deep shade to full sun. Hardy perennial. Mid to late summer blooming. Skullcap seeds should be cold-moist stratified for 60 days, then started indoors and planted out after the last frost. Sow shallowly.
SMALL FARM GROWN by Wildbud Natives, Marshall, NC
Out of stock
- Planting Information
- How to Grow
- Seed Saving
| Packet Weight | Seeds/Packet | Lifecycle | Stratification? |
| 0.25 g | 140 | perennial | 60 days wet-cold |
| Sowing Method | Seed Depth | Days to Sprout | Mature Spacing |
| transplant | surface | 14-21 | 12" |
| Sun Requirement | Frost Tolerance | Bloom Season | Special Notes |
| part shade-full sun | dies back in winter | July-September | spreading, needs containment |
Why Grow Hoary Skullcap
This perennial wildflower is very hardy and tolerant once established and will bring pollinators and bumblebees to your garden. Hoary skullcap is 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.
Where to Plant Hoary Skullcap
Hoary sullcap’s favorite growing condition is in dappled, partly shady light and well-drained soil, but it is a very hardy flower. it will tolerate full sun as long as it has enough moisture and will also tolerate clay, sandy, and poor soils.
How to Plant Hoary Skullcap
Hoary skullcap needs 60 days cold wet stratification to aid germination. You can achieve this by planting in the fall and letting the seed winter outside, or force it by putting the seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in the fridge for 60 days before sowing.
How Often to Water Hoary Skullcap
Once established, hoary skullcap will not need to be watered regularly as it is highly tolerant. But to get it established as a seedling, you will want to keep the soil from drying out, especially if it is planted in full sun.
To save Hoary Skullcap seeds, wait until the seed heads have browned on the stem. Cut and place in a bag and shake vigorously to separate the seeds from the seed heads. Store in a cool, dry place.