Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Showy Goldenrod is a bold perennial that lights up the late summer and fall garden with its dense clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, this drought-tolerant plant is perfect for borders, meadows, or naturalized areas. Growing up to 5 feet tall, Showy Goldenrod attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it an essential addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. Its tall, vibrant blooms provide striking late-season color, adding both visual interest and ecological value to your landscape.
NAME: Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
VARIETY: Showy
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 – 90 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 8
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Well-draining, dry soil with a pH 6.0 – 7.0
PLANT HEIGHT: 12 – 24 inches
SPACING: 18 – 24 inches apart
TEMP: 40 – 95ºF
These seeds require stratification. If you’re direct sowing in the fall, artificial stratification isn’t necessary, as the natural winter cold will fulfill this need.
Methods of stratification:
Scarification (optional): Lightly rub the seeds between sandpaper to break the seed coat, enhancing water absorption.
Cold Stratification:
Place seeds in a plastic bag with a small amount of moist sand, vermiculite, or a damp paper towel. Ensure the medium is damp but not soaked.
Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30-60 days at 34-40°F.
Periodically check to ensure the medium remains moist during the stratification period.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
It is generally not recommended to start Showy Goldenrod seeds indoors, as they tend to establish better when sown directly outdoors.
If starting indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost.
After stratification, surface-sow seeds in seed trays filled with a well-draining mix, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering. These seeds require light exposure for germination.
Maintain a soil temperature around 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs within 10-21 days.
Thin seedlings to one per cell and gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.
When transplanting, space plants 18-24 inches apart in full sun with well-draining soil.
Direct sowing is recommended for Showy Goldenrod.
Sow seeds outdoors in late fall for natural stratification over winter or in early spring after stratification.
Choose a sunny, well-draining site. Surface-sow seeds, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering, as they require light exposure to germinate.
Keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur in spring as temperatures warm.
Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Soil: Grows best in sandy or loamy soils and tolerates poor, dry soils. Avoid overly rich or moist soils, as they can cause the plant to flop.
Water: Water seedlings regularly until established. Mature plants are drought-tolerant and prefer dry to average moisture conditions.
Fertilization: No fertilization is needed, as Showy Goldenrod thrives in poor soils. Excess nutrients can lead to leggy growth.
Pruning: Not necessary, though deadheading spent flowers can reduce self-seeding if desired.
