Species
Propagation guides for less-commonly-cultivated North American native plants.
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How to Grow Sweet Grass from Seed
Anthoxanthum hirtumHierochloe odoratasweet grassThis fragrant grass germinates poorly at room temperature, so an alternating temperature regime mimicking spring conditions is recommended.
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How to Grow Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides) from Seed
Camassia scilloideswild hyacinth, Atlantic camas, eastern camasThis spring ephemeral requires multiple growth cycles of warmth followed by chilling before reaching flowering size.
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How to Grow Scarlet Painted-cup (Castilleja coccinea) from Seed
Castilleja coccineascarlet painted-cup, scarlet paintbrushAlthough a generalist hemiparasite, the choice of host plant makes a substantial difference when growing in containers.
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How to Collect and Germinate Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Seeds
Dicentra cucullariaDutchman’s breechesThese seeds have a two-part germination, sending out a root after a period of warm–moist stratification, then a shoot after…
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How to Germinate Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)
Gentiana andrewsiibottle gentian, closed gentianIf you’ve failed to germinate this species, it’s not you—it’s the seeds.
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How to Grow Gentianella quinquefolia (Stiff Gentian, Agueweed) from Seed
Gentianella quinquefoliastiff gentian, agueweedIt’s easy to grow this gentian from seed, but getting them to survive in the garden is a bit more…
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Propagating Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke) from Seed
Geum triflorumprairie smoke, old man’s whiskersIt turns out these are incredibly easy to germinate.
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How to Grow Lilium philadelphicum (Wood Lily, Prairie Lily) from Seed
Lilium philadelphicumwood lily, prairie lilyGermination is simple, but plants often fail to grow large enough to transplant in their first season, so a cycle…
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How to Grow American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) from Seed
Nelumbo luteaAmerican lotusSpecial considerations for growing this aquatic species.
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Germinating Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, Maypop) Is Easy and Quick
Passiflora incarnatamaypop, purple passionflowerThese seeds require no pretreatment, and germinate quickly when given hot conditions.
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How to Grow American Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla nuttalliana, formerly Anemone patens) from Seed
Pulsatilla nuttallianaAnemone patensAmerican pasqueflower, prairie crocusDespite common belief, cold–moist stratification does not improve germination for this early bloomer.