Ratibida columnifera

Germination

Sow autumn-spring in a cold frame. Sow 2mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Place in a cold frame. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur as the weather warms in spring. Seeds prefer the temp. to drop at night. Ideal germination temp. 20-30°C. Once the weather warms germination should be rapid. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on under glass. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Will tolerate most soils. Prefers a lime-rich/chalky soil which is well-drained in full sun. Easy to grow. Water well in hot, dry periods until the plants are established.

Cultivation

Cut back spent foliage and stems in autumn. Possibly best grown as an annual in the UK but is in fact a hardy perennial which will return year after year.