Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Prairie Blazing Star is a vibrant purple wildflower that is native to the central and easter regions of North America. Growing up to 3 to 5 feet in height, this stunning plant boasts slender ruffled blossoms with a spike-like appearance. This plant blooms from mid-summer through early fall and is adored by pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to wildflower patches and pollinator gardens. Prairie Blazing Star also makes a unique decorative plant, given its tall height, it can be planted along boarders or walls, making it a wonderful backdrop among shorter flowers.
NAME: Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
VARIETY: Prairie
DAYS TO MATURITY: 90 – 120 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 9
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Fertile, loose soils with a pH 6.0 – 6.5
SPACING: 18 – 24 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 36 – 60 inches
TEMP: 60 – 95ºF
Prairie Blazing Star seeds must be stratified before planting otherwise germination will not occur.
Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or mix with sterile sand
Seal the paper towel or sand inside a plastic bag or container.
Refrigerate the bag or container for 60 days, maintaining a temperature of around 34-40°F (1-4°C).
Check the seeds periodically to ensure they remain moist but not waterlogged.
After stratification, sow the seeds immediately or store them in a cool, dry place until ready for planting.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
After you have stratified your seeds, start them in cell trays or small pots with moist potting soil 4 to 6 weeks before your last local spring frost
Keep the soil evenly moist and temperatures above 65-70ºF
Germination will occur in 20 to 30 days
Provide light with a sunny windowsill or grow lights until the seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process)
TIP: Be patient when waiting for germination to occur! We suggest only attempting to germinate half of the seed allotment your first time around, in case you need to re-stratify and try again.
After you have stratified your seeds, sow them 1/4 inch deep, spaced 4 inches apart, directly into garden beds after your last local spring frost has passed
When seedlings sprout, thin them out so they are spaced 8 inches apart
Once they grow to be 6 inches tall, thin them out once more so they are spaced 16 to 24 inches apart
Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of about 6 inches and removing any debris or weeds.
Provide regular water to Prairie Blazing Star plants, particularly during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as Prairie Blazing Star prefers nutrient-poor soils.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding, if desired.
Prairie Blazing Star attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden and is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.
Divide mature clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plants and prevent overcrowding.
