Sow prince's plume outdoors from late fall through late winter, barely covered, or chill the seed first if you start it indoors.
Sow outdoors in late fall, or chill the seed first
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Late fall through late winter outdoors; or a 6 to 12 week cool-moist spell, then sow | Do not sow into hot, soggy mix in midsummer |
| Depth | Barely cover the seed, about 1/16 to 1/4 inch | Do not bury it an inch deep in wet peat |
| Mix | Sand, grit, or a seed mix that drains | Do not keep the mix soggy |
prince's plume seed is the usual start. Sow it outdoors from late fall through late winter so winter cold does the work, and barely cover it. [1] If you start it indoors, keep the seed cool and moist for about 6 to 12 weeks, then sow 1/16 to 1/4 inch deep in mix that drains. Water only enough to keep the mix barely moist. [2] In warm soil the shoot can show in about two weeks. Rake seed into loose ground if you are sowing in the bed. [3] Some lots germinate without a chill, so an unchilled indoor sow is worth one try if winter sowing is not possible. [4]
- Sow outdoors from late November through early March, or chill the seed in moist mix in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Use sand, grit, or a seed mix that drains. Barely cover the seed, about 1/16 to 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep the mix moist, not soggy, until the shoot appears.
- If you sowed in the bed, leave the seedling where it is and protect it from birds while it is small.
Do I have to chill prince's plume seed?
Outdoor winter sowing is enough. Indoor lots often take a 6 to 12 week cool-moist spell, but some germinate without it.
Move each seedling into its own pot before the taproot circles
The seedling puts a taproot down fast. A squat cup bends that root into a spiral, and the plant stalls after you plant it out. Move each seedling into its own deep pot as soon as roots show, then plant it out while the root is still straight.
- Transplant seedlings to individual deep pots as soon as roots are growing.
- Grow them on in full sun, and water when the top of the mix is dry.
- Plant them out while the taproot is still straight, before it circles the pot.
- Do not lift a plant that has already rooted in the bed.
Once the seedling is in the ground, sun and spare watering are on How to Grow Prince's Plume.
Why did my seedling stall after I potted it on?
The taproot likely circled. Use a deep pot from the start, and plant it out while that root is still straight.
If the seedling is in a squat pot, move it into a deep pot now, then plant it out while the taproot is still straight.
FAQ
Can I divide prince's plume instead of sowing?
Nurseries sometimes list division, but the taproot makes a split unreliable at home. Sow seed.
Can I root a cutting?
Home cuttings usually dry or rot. Sow seed, then pot the seedlings on before the taproot circles.
When do I collect seed in the garden?
Wait until the slender pods dry and split. Collect the small dark seed and sow it that fall, or store it cool and dry.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Utah State University Extension -
https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/research/princes-plume-in-the-landscape - [2] Western Native Seed -
https://new.westernnativeseed.com/product/stanleya-pinnata/ - [3] Santa Fe Botanical Garden -
https://visitsfbg.org/january-2018/ - [4] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center -
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=STPI
This note is part of Stanleya Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors