"Ratibida columnifera, also called Mexican Hat or Prairie Coneflower, is a captivating wildflower known for its striking appearance. With its tall, sturdy stems crowned by distinctive cone-shaped, red-brown to yellow-brown centers surrounded by drooping, reflexed petals resembling a sombrero, it adds a touch of whimsy to gardens and meadows. A favorite among pollinators, this native perennial thrives in sunny locations, offering a burst of color and ecological benefits to any landscape."

Growing Instructions

Growing Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat) from seed is relatively straightforward. Here are the short growing instructions:

Sowing Time: Sow the seeds in late summer or early autumn, ideally about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date. This allows the seeds to experience a period of cold stratification, which can improve germination rates.

Soil Preparation: Choose a well-draining soil with good fertility. Loosen the soil to a depth of a few inches and remove any weeds or debris.

Sowing Depth: Sow the Ratibida columnifera seeds at a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm). Press them gently into the soil to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.

Spacing: Space the seeds or seedlings about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart to allow for their mature growth and spread.

Watering: Water the area gently after sowing to settle the soil around the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until germination occurs.

Germination: Germination typically takes around 4 to 5 weeks, but it can vary. Be patient and provide consistent moisture during this period.

Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have developed a few sets of true leaves, you can transplant them to their final growing location if desired.

Sunlight: Ratibida columnifera prefers full sun to light shade. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Maintenance: Keep the soil moderately moist, especially during the initial stages of growth. As the plants mature, they become more drought-tolerant. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning: Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. This can also prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively if that's a concern in your garden.

Overwintering: Ratibida columnifera is a hardy perennial in many regions. In colder climates, it will go dormant in winter and re-emerge in spring.

Propagation: Ratibida columnifera can self-seed, producing new plants in the vicinity. You can also divide mature plants in early spring to propagate.