Monthly Archives: December 2025

Carthamus tinctorius. False Saffron has tufted, thistle-like, glowing orange and yellow flowers with dark green foliage on strong, well-branching stems. Good for fresh and dried bouquets, this decorative edible may be direct sown outdoors as soon as the ground may be worked in the spring. Press the seeds firmly 1 ⁄4" deep in well-draining, fertile loamy soil in full sunlight.

Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, in 1 to 2 weeks. To raise as transplants, sow the seeds 5 weeks before the last frost date in a good seed starting medium, provide even moisture and a consistent 70˚F temperature until the seedlings emerge in 2 weeks. Once established, thin plants to 2" to 3" apart. Prior to transplanting when 3" tall, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Space plants 12" apart in the

Ratibida columnifera. The Mexican Hat flower has drooping, fiery yellow to red flowers below a long, reddish-brown central disk that look like sombreros on single, leafless stems with low growing, feathery foliage. Sow seed directly into the garden in early spring. It requires full sun, well-draining soil and a cold period to germinate reliably. Press firmly into the soil, lightly covering with soil, and water moderately. Light aids germination. Keep the bed moist until the seeds germinate, which can take 2 to 4 weeks. (It may also be direct sown in the fall for spring germination.)

To start seed indoors, wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 to 4 weeks. Sow seeds in a starter tray. Transplant outdoors after the seedlings are 2" tall.

Thin seedlings to 12" to 18" inches apart and water moderately