Grow California goldfields from seed by sowing the tiny seed on the soil surface and keeping that surface moist until the seedlings show. You do not need a long cold chill first.
Sow the seed on the surface and keep it moist until it sprouts
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Chill | None required — sow stored dry seed, or a bought packet | Do not wait on a long cold treatment as if this seed would not come up without it |
| Depth | Sow on the surface and press it in; barely cover, less than a quarter inch | Do not bury the seed deep, because germination fails under a thick cover |
| Bed | A firm, weed-free bed in full sun, or a tray that drains | Do not sow into thick mulch or a soggy, rich mix |
| Moisture | Keep the surface just moist until seedlings appear | Do not let the seedbed dry out during those first weeks |
California goldfields is easy from seed, and the seed does not need a long pretreatment to break dormancy. Clear weeds, loosen the top of the soil, and broadcast on a firm surface in full sun. [1] The seed is tiny, so mix one part seed with three parts coarse sand, scatter it, and toss only a very light cover over it — less than a quarter inch — then tamp so wind and birds do not lift it. [2] Keep that surface just moist, with a gentle mist, until the seedlings show. Fall rain often does this work for you. [3] After they are up, ease off the water. See How to Grow California Goldfields for the grown patch. [4]
- Firm a weed-free seedbed in full sun, or fill a tray with mix that drains.
- Mix the seed with coarse sand, scatter it on the surface, and press it in. Barely cover it, less than a quarter of an inch.
- Keep the surface just moist until seedlings appear, unless rain already keeps it wet.
- Then ease off the water and let the plants fill as a mass.
How deep do I sow California goldfields seed?
On the surface. Press the tiny seed into firm soil and barely cover it, less than a quarter inch, because a deep cover stops germination.
Sow in fall where winters are mild, or in early spring after frost
Match the sowing to the winter you have. In a mild-winter climate, broadcast in fall or winter so cool weather and rain start the seedlings, and the carpet opens in early spring. Where frost is hard, wait until after the last frost, then sow the same way on a firm, sunny bed and keep it just moist until the seedlings show.
You can also start a tray under cover and set the seedlings out after frost. Keep that tray lightly moist in bright light, and do not let it sit in water. Once a patch has bloomed, ripe plants will thicken it the next year if you leave them standing.
- Where winters are mild, broadcast in fall or winter on a firm, sunny, weed-free bed and let rain keep the surface moist.
- Where frost is hard, wait until after the last frost, then scatter seed the same way and keep the bed just moist until seedlings appear.
- To start indoors, sow on the surface of a tray that drains, keep it lightly moist in bright light, and set the seedlings out after frost.
Do I have to chill the seed first?
No. This seed does not need a long cold, moist treatment. Sow it in fall where winters are mild, or after frost in a cold spring, and keep the surface moist until it sprouts.
If the seed never comes up, it was probably buried too deep or the surface dried out before the seedlings showed. Next time press it in on the surface and keep that surface just moist until they appear.
FAQ
Can I collect my own seed?
Yes. Gather the heads when they have turned brown, dry them a few days, and pick out the chaff. Store the clean seed cool and dry.
Can I grow it from a cutting or a division?
No. California goldfields is an annual raised from seed. It does not divide or root from cuttings as a home method.
Will it self-sow in the garden?
Yes, if you leave some ripe plants standing on open ground. Deadhead if you do not want volunteers.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] GardenZeus -
https://www.gardenzeus.com/plant-california-goldfields-in-fall-for-a-burst-of-golden-spring-color/ - [2] UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties -
https://ucanr.edu/site/mgsmsf/article/sowing-native-california-wildflower-seeds - [3] Theodore Payne Foundation -
https://store.theodorepayne.org/products/lasthenia-californica-goldfields-seed - [4] California Native Plant Society / Calscape -
https://calscape.org/plant/2087/Lasthenia-californica-(California-Goldfields)
This note is part of Lasthenia Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors