Jenkins’ Seed Packets: Gray Headed Coneflower

Gray headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Gray headed coneflower is a native wildflower found growing in eastern and central United States. It can grow to 5’ tall and has a coneflower-like appearance with golden petals drooping down from a dark central cone, which emits an anise scent when crushed. Its late season, long blooming period allows this species to support many insects. While globally secure, this species is extirpated in Pennsylvania.  

Natural Habitat: Prairies, meadows
Light Requirements: Sun
Soil Requirements: Medium
USDA Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Size: Height of 3′ to 5′
Wildlife Value: Bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistance: Not preferred

Germination Requirements

Gray headed coneflower seeds require 30 days Cold Moist Stratification (abbreviated CMS in many reference guides). Stratification is the process of pre-treating seeds to overcome the seeds’ natural inhibitors that prevent germination in less-than ideal circumstances. A general rule is to cover seeds to a depth equal to their height.

Cold Moist Stratification can be accomplished by sowing the seeds and setting them outside when temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees. Seeds can always be kept cold longer than the required number of days, so it is fine to sow these in December and leave them outside for the entire winter. They will germinate when the soil warms up in spring.

Alternately, you can mix the seeds with a small amount of moist (not wet) sand, perlite or vermiculite in a baggie and place it in a refrigerator for 60 days. If you choose to hold them there longer than 60 days, check the seeds periodically. Some seeds will germinate in the baggie. You will see the first root, the radicle, poking out. This is fine if you catch it early. After chilling the seeds for 60 days, sow them by spreading out the contents of the baggie on the surface of your medium.