Liatris spp These species are native to the Great Plains of North America, but are widely adapted (zones 3-9) and utilized in the florist trade worldwide. Liatris spicata is the most widely grown, but L. aspera, pycnostachya, and scariosa also have their uses. Plants flower in the second year from seed, and produce perennial corms that can be divided for further propagation. For maximum yield, seedlings and corms should be spaced on 3x3 centers (according to Armitage), and it is important that corms be carefully placed with the bud pointing straight up. Seeds can be started at warm temps (75F), but corms require a minimum of 3 weeks between 28-32F to induce flowering. Longer cold periods (up to 15 weeks) result in much faster flowering after planting out.
Prairie Gayfeather NEW FOR 2019! This seed came to me from Mary Ellen Chad of Green Spark Farm in Maine, who says it came with the property, probably a named variety, that has now volunteered in abundance for her, sometimes reaching 5' tall. Spacing recommendations vary from 3x3" for intensive flower cutting production, to 12-20" for garden plantings. The intense purple hue and paranormal form of the flowering stalk make this a ... pricing and more
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