From our perspective, the journey begins with successful pollination. Our showy flowers are designed to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Once a pollinator transfers pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another, fertilization occurs. If successful, the flower wilts and a green seed pod begins to swell at the base of the bloom. We will nourish the developing seeds within this pod for several weeks until it turns brown and begins to split open at the seams.
You must collect our seeds once the pod is dry and brown but before it opens completely and releases us. Inside, you will find shiny, black seeds. It is crucial to understand that we possess a natural dormancy mechanism. This dormancy protects us from germinating immediately before a harsh winter. To break this dormancy, we require a period of cold stratification. For the best results, store us in a sealed plastic bag with a barely moist medium like vermiculite or peat moss in your refrigerator for four to six weeks. This cold, moist period mimics a natural winter, signaling that it is safe to grow when conditions warm.
After the cold treatment, we are ready to sprout. Plant us in a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix, barely covering us with a thin layer of soil. We require consistent moisture and warmth to germinate. Maintain a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Placing the pots in a warm, bright location, such as under a grow light or on a sunny windowsill, provides the ideal energy for growth. With the right conditions, we will typically send up a single grass-like blade within a few weeks to a month.
As seedlings, our needs are simple but specific. We require bright, indirect light to grow strong and avoid becoming leggy. Keep the soil consistently moist. Once we have developed a few true leaves beyond the initial sprout, you can begin to fertilize us very gently with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. This gives us the nutrients we need to establish a robust root system. We must be protected from extreme temperatures and harsh direct sun during this vulnerable juvenile stage.
When the danger of frost has passed in your US region and we have grown into small clumps, we are ready for the outdoors. Harden us off first by gradually exposing us to outdoor conditions over a week. Then, transplant us into a sunny garden spot with well-drained soil. Space us about 12-18 inches apart to give our roots room to expand. It is important to manage your expectations; unlike when propagated by division, we will not flower in our first year. We are busy using our energy to establish a strong crown and root system. We will typically devote our first full season to vegetative growth, finally sending up our first coveted flower scapes in our second or sometimes third year.
