Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat) seeds

Reliable, long flowering perennial, very useful for dry areas where little else will grow. From early summer to autumn, produces a succession of distinctive sombrero shaped flowers in shades of dark red and yellow with a central brown disc. A must for a prairie style planting scheme or Mediterranean garden.

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: Early summer to autumn
Height: 80cm, Spread: 30cm
Position: Full sun

Packet of 50 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of year except mid summer.  Sow onto a moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or trays and lightly cover seed with a thin layer of sieved compost. Seal in a polythene bag or place in a propagator or other warm place and maintain at 20-25C. Keep the compost just moist at all times. Germination should begin to take place from 21-42 days. Reducing the soil temperature at night may help improve germination.

Growing Instructions: Once the seedlings emerge open the bag or propagator vents to reduce the temperature. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up into 9cm pots or 3 plants to a 1 litre pot. Maintain in pots and over winter as necessary in a cool, well-ventilated place away from frosts. In spring, gradually acclimatise the young plants to outdoor conditions, then plant out 30 cms apart in a sunny spot.