Liatris is unique in the sense that it can grow using corms or by using seeds. We’re going to explore the process of growing Liatris by using seeds as the method of growth. We may also use the opportunity to explain how seed growth may differ from Liatris corms. There are some differences, primarily relating to the amount of time before it takes for Liatris to bloom after planting the initial seeds.
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Growing Liatris From Seeds
One of the most important things that you need to know about growing Liatris from seeds is that they are not capable of actually blooming in their first year of being planted. You will likely have to wait until the second year of being planted before you can expect the Liatris plants to bloom.
Many people prefer to start growing their Liatris inside. The seeds can be sown in your garden and the germination will take place in the following weeks. The exact amount of time depends on how the seeds are managed in their initial days. Source.
They will perform the best if they remain in cooler temperatures. It’s common for Liatris seeds to be sown in the autumn because of the cooler temperatures and ideal climate conditions for growth.
When Should Liatris Seeds Be Planted?
While there is no exact timeframe when you should plant your Liatris seeds, it’s generally a very good idea to plant them right before the wintertime. That makes the final days of autumn an ideal time to plant your seeds. It will allow them to germinate during the wintertime. They will oftentimes need several weeks in winter conditions before germinating.
You should not plant your Liatris seeds in the spring or summer. This can result in complications and difficulties. It’s best to plant your Liatris seeds right before the wintertime so that they can germinate on an appropriate time schedule.
Where Should Liatris Seeds Be Planted?
You can plant Liatris seeds indoors or in your garden. It’ll take four weeks or longer for them to germinate. As previously mentioned, it’s best to plant them in the fall or winter during times of the year when temperatures are cooler than normal.
This will benefit the seeds and result in faster and more efficient germination. If you ultimately end up sowing your Liatris seeds during the autumn, you’ll likely have better results than if you did it at some other time during the year.
The location does matter because Liatris needs a lot of sunlight every day to be healthy. While these types of flowers can tolerate partial shade, it’s best to choose a planting location where they can receive six to eight hours of full sun every single day. While this may seem like a lot, it’s an imperative step when choosing a location to plant your Liatris.
Liatris Seeds vs Liatris Corms
Liatris has two ways of spreading and expanding. Seeds and corms are those two methods, which ultimately yield similar results but very different regimens and timelines.
You can plant Liatris corms in the spring and have results in a few short months. Liatris seeds won’t bloom in their first year and will need to germinate during the wintertime. The neat thing about Liatris seeds is that they can be started inside, while Liatris corms cannot. The multiple methods of spreading allow the Liatris, also known as ‘Blazing Star’ to remain a tenacious and common perennial flower.
Germination can take about three weeks for the seeds if they are kept around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you manage to get them started early enough, they may be able to surprise you and flower within their first year. An alternative option is to have your seeds be sown outside through the summertime so that there’s a reasonable amount of time before winter hits.
It generally takes a little bit longer for germination to occur if you are sowing the seeds outside. Liatris needs to have about three feet of spacing in well-drained soil to grow effectively. Poor soils are acceptable by the ‘Blazing Star’ perennial due to its high tolerance and resilience against droughts.
How Does Liatris Spread and Self-Seed?
Liatris can spread by self-seeding from the tip of its flower stalks. This tolerant perennial flower is a common choice for gardens due to its appearance and lifespan. While also being relatively low in overall maintenance once it has had time to establish itself.
The self-seeding method of spreading for the Liatris usually works the best during the early months of Summer. Ideal temperatures would likely be near 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since Liatris can also spread by expanding its corms, it’s true that both methods are sufficient and can be used for growing Liatris. You may want to lean towards a specific choice depending on local environmental conditions or your own personal preference.
See our article for Liatris Corms here.
Related Questions
Does it take longer for Liatris seeds to germinate outdoors than indoors?
It’s common for germination to take about one week longer outdoors than indoors. Indoor germination for Liatris seeds can take about three weeks, while outdoors can take up to a full week longer depending on local conditions.
Can Liatris bloom in its first year after being planted with seeds?
It’s more common for Liatris to flower in its second year after the seeds are planted. The timeframe really depends on when you plant them and how well you maintain them as they continue to grow and mature.