Okay, here is my blog post about growing penstemon from seed:
Alright, folks, let’s talk about growing penstemon from seed. I wanted to add some of these beauties to my garden, and figured I’d give it a go from seed. Now, I’m no expert, but I like to think I have a pretty green thumb. So, here’s how it went down for me.
Gathering the Seeds
First things first, I got my hands on some penstemon seeds. This was in the fall, which I learned is when these seeds mature. I collected some from a friend’s garden – with permission, of course! – and bought a few packets from a local nursery to try different varieties. They were all small and kind of rough-looking, but that’s normal.
Starting the Seeds Indoors
I started my seeds indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. I grabbed some seed trays and filled them with a regular seed starting mix. Nothing fancy, just what I usually use. Then, I sprinkled the seeds on top of the soil. Here’s a tip: these seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them. I just pressed them lightly into the soil to make sure they had good contact.
Keeping Things Warm and Moist
Next, I covered the trays with a plastic dome to keep things nice and humid. I placed them on a heating mat because I read that penstemon seeds like a bit of warmth to get going. My house is pretty cold, especially in the winter, so I figured this would help. I kept the soil moist but not soaking wet. You don’t want to drown the little guys. I checked them every day to make sure they weren’t drying out.
Waiting for Sprouts
Now came the hard part – waiting. It took a couple of weeks, but finally, I started to see tiny sprouts popping up. It was pretty exciting! Once most of the seeds had sprouted, I took off the plastic dome and moved the trays to a sunny windowsill. I also started using a fan to keep the air circulating, which helps prevent diseases.
Thinning and Transplanting
When the seedlings got their second set of leaves, I thinned them out. I basically just picked out the weaker-looking ones, leaving the strongest seedlings in each cell. I felt a little bad doing it, but it’s necessary to give them enough room to grow. I also transplanted them into slightly larger pots with regular potting mix. They were starting to look like real plants now!
Hardening Off
Before planting them outside, I had to harden them off. This means gradually getting them used to outdoor conditions. I started by putting them outside for a few hours a day in a sheltered spot. Then, over a week or two, I increased the time they spent outside and exposed them to more sun and wind. It’s a bit of a process, but you don’t want to shock them by throwing them straight into the garden.
Planting in the Garden
Finally, it was time to plant them in their permanent homes. I chose a sunny spot in my garden with well-drained soil. Penstemons don’t like to sit in water. I spaced them about 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety. After planting, I gave them a good watering and added a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep the weeds down.
Watching Them Grow
Now, I’m just enjoying watching them grow. They’ve been blooming for a while now, and they look fantastic. It’s so rewarding to see something you’ve grown from seed thrive. I’ve had a few minor issues, like some pests, but nothing major. Overall, it’s been a great experience, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re thinking about it.
So, that’s my story of growing penstemon from seed. It wasn’t too difficult, and the results are totally worth it. If I can do it, you can too. Just remember to be patient and give them what they need. Happy gardening, everyone!
