Growing Spiked Gayfeather Liatris Garden Seeds

Spiked Gayfeather liatris seeds are adaptable and frost-hardy and can either be sown indoors or out. For earliest and most vibrant blooms, begin seeds 10-12 weeks prior to the frost and transplant to a warm and sunny spot in the garden if transplanting outside. Young plants may need staking before establishing. Plant 2-3 Spiked Gayfeather liatris seeds ¼" deep and 15" apart in average, medium moisture, and well-drained soil in full sun. Spiked Gayfeather liatris is a vigorous full sun performer with little maintenance needs. Plants are known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought, humidity, and poor soils, but prefer well-drained gardens with fertile soil. Do not overwater. Liatris has no serious pests or diseases. Young plants may need staking. Spiked Gayfeather liatris seeds are herbaceous perennials that mature in their second year as 36-48" shrubby uprights 15-18" wide filled with soft 14" purple blooming spikes.

Liatris spicata is native to the eastern United States and Canada where it grows wildly in moist prairies and meadows. Liatris spicata has been historically used by many Native American tribes across the continent to treat swelling, abdominal pain, colic, and snake bites as well as used for its expectorant properties including serving as a diuretic and carminative (gastrointestinal problems). Currently today, liatris is used to treat sore throats.