This is seed for a shade-adapted Liatris that’s been growing on my property for as long as I can remember and re-seeds all around this old, red maple. In particular, it seems to be happy growing in the tightest crevices on the northern side of the tree which gets blocked from any direct sun whatsoever. I’m working on sowing this into the woods to see just how much shade it likes, but this will grow in the average homeowner’s shadiest (and driest) spots in the garden.
Although the shade keeps it short (though it doesn’t seem to grow taller in sun), it doesn’t compromise the length of the flower spike, which is at least half its height on the oldest tubers.
This isn’t Kobold. I didn’t know Kobold existed until about 3 years ago. Maybe Kobold came about the same way, adapting to conditions, reseeding, continuing to grow in this manner. This was my first experience with Liatris spicata. I didn’t know that it normally grows in full sun and up to 5-6 tall, because I hadn’t seen it doing that “in the wild.” The “wild” I tend to hang out in are forests, woodlands, woodland edges.
Germination Info
Easy to sow & grow. Surface sow seed, do not bury, as they do need light to germinate. Press into the damp potting mix and cover with pool filter sand to help weigh it down without blocking light. Needs 60 days of cold & moist conditioning (not freezing, between 40-50 degrees F). Alternatively, add them to a plastic baggie or container with dampened vermiculite or sand (not dripping wet) and place them in the fridge for 60 days, then surface sow. Check WTF Did I Sow? to compare the cotyledons. The two small, round cotyledons remain hugging the soil surface then shoot up a long, grass-like leaf. They grow very quickly as long as they’re given nutrients (fertilizer), and you should see baby corms at the base within a month or two.
Seed Packet Information
You will receive at least 50 seeds in each packet. I hand clean these seeds and check firmness and weight to ensure that you receive good seed. Liatris is known for producing a lot of duds, and it will produce “seed hulls” even if it isn’t pollinated. They are not self-fertile, so if you only planted one, or one type of cultivar of Liatris in your garden, you are very unlikely to get viable seed.
Seed not tested for germination. That being said, they have no problem germinating around the red maple.
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