Ratibida columnifera | Dwarf Red Coneflower | 1000 Seeds

Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as Dwarf Red Coneflower or Red Midget, is a charming and resilient wildflower native to North America. This perennial plant is celebrated for its unique and eye-catching appearance, featuring a distinctive, sombrero-like flower head with drooping maroon petals that surround a central brown or black cone. The vibrant and daisy-like blooms are a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. Its slender, finely divided foliage adds an elegant texture to the garden, making it an attractive choice for both naturalistic and formal landscapes. Ratibida columnifera is well-adapted to a variety of soil types and is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in the sunny, hot conditions of open prairies and meadows. This plant's low maintenance requirements and ability to self-seed contribute to its popularity among gardeners and wildflower enthusiasts, as it adds a touch of wild beauty and a dash of Mexican-inspired flair to gardens and natural habitats.  Zones 3-9

Germination

Germinating Ratibida columnifera seeds is a relatively straightforward process. Plant the seeds directly in your garden or prepare them for indoor germination. For indoor germination, place the seeds in a plastic bag with a moistened paper towel and keep them in the refrigerator for a cold stratification period of 30-60 days. This cold treatment helps break seed dormancy. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, typically a combination of peat and perlite. Sow the seeds at a shallow depth, about 1/4 inch, and water the soil thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the container in a sunny location with indirect sunlight. Germination typically begins within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into your garden, where they will grow into charming Mexican hat wildflowers, attracting pollinators and adding a delightful touch to your landscape.