Thickspike Gayfeather Flower Seeds, Prairie Blazingstar, Liatris pycnostachya

Thickspike Gayfeather, also known as Prairie Blazingstar, is a good cut flower and attracts birds, hummingbirds and butterflies, including the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) caterpillar. Plants grow to 4 feet tall and are tolerant of poor soils, drought, heat and humidity. Seeds can have some dormancy and should be planted in late fall, or provide cold stratification for 30-60 days prior to planting in spring.

Sowing: Direct sow in spring, pressing the seed lightly into the surface of the soil; water carefully to avoid disturbing the seed, and keep consistently moist until germination, which should occur within 7-10 days.