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Mexican Hat
Mexican Hat
Seed Packet

Mexican Hat

Ratibida columnifera
A flounced skirt of chestnut petals edged in gold gathers around the flower disk—a beaded column of sage green studded with gold. Grey-green cut foliage catches the light, becoming a shimmering presence under the sun. Easy to grow in regular to dry soils, it withstands drought like a champ and naturalizes to create large drifts,
SKU #S1383
$3.25
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
173
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
Mature Size
1-3' h x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Burgundy petals edged with gold
Features
Great Cut Flower
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover 1/16"
Sprout Time:
7-42 days after chill
Starting Indoors:
Stratify for 30-60 days. Sow in a container, cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate, or mix seed with damp clean sand or vermiculite, bag, and refrigerate at 35-40F. Check often for germination and maintain a lightly moist medium. Transplant any seedlings as they germinate. After the chill period, sow into soilless media and keep at 60-70F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in fall in prepared bed for germination in spring or wintersow into pots in the shade, covered with a thin layer of clean sand and a wire screen to keep out mice and voles. Check for moisture at regular intervals.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In springtime at last frost date, or in early autumn.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Mexican hat is a mainstay of meadow and other spacious gardens where its robust growth and the effect of multitudes of blossoms waving above finely cut foliage is appreciated. Summer to fall, flowers composed of a ring of drooping petals around unique tall cone centers bloom on the tips of tall stems. Ratibida grows easily in many soil types except poorly drained, is drought tolerant, and a boon to butterflies and birds. Grow among grasses or other sturdy perennials for support. Self-sows.
Final Spacing:
1-2'
Water Requirements:
Low Water Use
Watering Details:
These plants prefer drier soil, and can tolerate drought. Water only during especially dry periods.
Soil pH:
Tolerates most pH levels but prefers neutral
Fertilizer:
Mix in about an inch of compost prior to planting and each year thereafter in early spring.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid fungal troubles by placing in a location that receives full sun exposure and has good air circulation. If watering is necessary, avoid wetting the plants; try to only get water on the soil.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when flowers are 3/4 to fully open.
Growing Guides Winter Sowing Guide
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