Growing Non-GMO Rocky Mountain Penstemon Flower Seeds

Rocky Mountain penstemon is easy to grow from seed and may be sown directly outside after final frost or late in fall for early spring blooming. For earliest blooms, start Rocky Mountain penstemon seeds indoors 8-10 weeks prior to final frost. Penstemon has a wildflower habit and may also be sown by broadcasting directly after the frost. Blend Rocky Mountain Penstemon seeds with sand to increase visibility during sowing and broadcast the mix over a 10-square foot area per 1 oz and evenly rake and lightly tamp into soil.

Germination occurs in 14-21 days with full lighting, then transplant to a sunny spot in the garden or keep as a potted and fragrant grow indoors near a window with full sun. For direct sowing, plant Rocky Mountain penstemon seeds .0125 inches deep and 18-24 inches apart in fertile, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Unlike its cousin, the snapdragon, Rocky Mountain penstemon is native to arid juniper and pine forests of the American west and prefers warm, sunny climates. Trim plants to provide proper air circulation and avoid overwatering as penstemon does not perform well in soggy and poorly drained soils.

Rocky Mountain Penstemon in the Flower Garden

Penstemons are an easy choice for annual and wildflower gardens as a mix-in, a border, or another purpose. They look wonderful when paired with other flowers such as petunias, pansies, and lavender. They are even deer resistant! Furthermore, they can even be broadcast in a wildflower garden.

Landscaping With Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Rocky Mountain Penstemons are great for fields, beds, and fence lines. They grow easily and do not require special treatment. They will easily reseed in many climates. Try interplanting with alyssum in window boxes or heuchera in a mixed planting.

About Rocky Mountain Penstemon Garden Seeds

Penstemon strictus is known for its fragrant and unique blooms. They attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Yet, they are known to be deer resistant.

The wildflowers happily reseed. To prevent reseeding, cut the plants back after each flush of flowering.

Penstemons can also be grown indoors but must receive as much sun as possible. A warm, sunny windowsill is perfect.

While Penstemon is not a snapdragon, it can be used for many of the same purposes. It has a similar habit and appearance to traditional snapdragons but is even easier to germinate and grow at home. Snapdragons require deadheading, fertilization, and even seed treatments to even germinate. Penstemon will happily grow almost anywhere it is planted!

Penstemon strictus, also known as beardtongue, is native to the warm arid pine and juniper forests between southern Wyoming and Colorado down into New Mexico and Arizona. Rocky Mountain penstemon is sometimes loosely referred to as snapdragon since it is a member of the Plantaginaceae family or, better known as, the snapdragon family.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I love using penstemon in mixed planters and beds. They don’t have as much sparkle on their own but when complemented with things like alyssum, herbs, and more, they really pop."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Rocky Mountain Penstemon Seeds Per Package:

• 500 mg packet
• 1 oz
• 4 oz

Non-GMO Rocky Mountain Penstemon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.