Commonly known as Mexican hats, the 30-inch plants produce a number of blooms. The large center, the size of an elongated golf ball, is green turning to brown. The crown of the hat is surrounded by mahogany, fringed with yellow petals that turn down and become the hat brim. Very interesting North American native plant.

50 seeds

PLANTING

Ratibida columnifera

Perennial, Zones 3-10

Germination: 7-42 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70F

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and press into soil, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Cold treating seeds for 2-4 weeks aids germination. Provide 65-70F soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 12 apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring or fall. Sow a few seeds every 12. Thin to the strongest seedling

Growth Habit: Upright clump-forming

Height and Width: 36-48 by 12-24

Spacing: 12-18 apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average to medium sandy loam, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in the second season, mid-summer and onthereafter

Uses: Cut flowers, cottage and wildflower gardens, borders, attracts bees, butterflies, and birds

Care:Plant in large clumps or masses for the showiest effect. Low maintenance anddrought tolerant once established. Leave seedheads up in the fall for the birds.