Growing Mexican Hat Ratibida Garden Seeds

Mexican Hat ratibida has a wildflower hardiness and can be sown directly in the fall for early spring blooming. For earliest blooms, begin seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost. Germination will take 14-28 days in full lighting and then harden off ratibida seedlings before transplanting into a sunny spot in the garden or keep indoors with good circulation and full sun. For direct sowing, plant Mexican Hat ratibida seeds 1/8" deep and 12 - 18" apart in average, medium dry, and well-drained soil in full sun. Mexican Hat ratibida does not perform well in clay or poorly drained soils and can be susceptible to mold and mildew if not drained properly. Ratibida is known to be tolerant of drought and dry soils and has no known pests or diseases. Mexican Hat ratibida seeds are perennials that flower in their 2nd year as 12-24" tall upright shrubs with a 12-18" spread and unique 2" bicolored sombrero-shaped blooms.

Ratibida columnaris forma pulcherrima, or Mexican Hat, is a member of the Asteraceae family and native to various arid regions through North America. Mexican Hat is often considered invasive with a weed-like hardiness and known to thrive along roadsides, highways, and railroads from Canada down to northern Mexico. Mexican Hat earns its moniker from its unique sombrero-shaped cone and light rim of orange flowers.