Annual Trampweed

Choosing the Right Spot:

Annual Trampweed (Facelis retusa) is a low-growing plant that thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas. You'll want to pick a spot in your garden or yard that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. If you're planting it for ground cover, make sure it's an area where you don't mind it spreading, as this plant can be quite vigorous.

Soil and Tools:

• Soil: Annual Trampweed isn’t too picky about soil type but prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand to help with drainage.
• Tools: You’ll need basic gardening tools like a trowel, gloves, and a watering can or hose.
• Seeds: You can buy Annual Trampweed seeds from native plant nurseries or online seed suppliers.

Timing: This plant is best sown in early spring when the danger of frost has passed. The warmer temperatures will help the seeds germinate more easily.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the soil quality, you can always add a bit of compost to give the seeds a good start!

If Using Seeds:

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the top layer of soil with a rake or your hands. You don’t need to dig too deep—just enough to create a nice seed bed.
2. Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil. Since Annual Trampweed seeds are small, you can mix them with some sand to help distribute them more evenly.
3. Cover Lightly: Gently press the seeds into the soil or cover them with a very thin layer of soil—just enough so they’re not exposed but still close to the surface.
4. Water Gently: Use a watering can with a fine spray to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away. Keep the soil consistently moist until you see sprouts, which should happen within 7-14 days.

If Using Seedlings:

1. Dig a Small Hole: Make a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Plant the Seedling: Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in around the plant and gently press down.
3. Water Well: Give the seedling a good drink of water right after planting to help it settle in.

Tip: You don’t need to space the plants too far apart—around 6-8 inches is fine since they’ll fill in quickly as ground cover.

Sunlight and Watering:

• Sunlight: Annual Trampweed loves sunshine but can handle some shade. If you notice the plant looking a bit leggy or sparse, it might need more light.
• Watering: Once established, this plant is pretty drought-tolerant. However, during the first few weeks after planting, keep the soil moist. After that, you can water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

Fertilizing: You don’t need to fertilize Annual Trampweed much—it’s a hardy plant that doesn’t require rich soil. If you feel the need to give it a boost, a light application of a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season should be plenty.

Weeding and Maintenance: Since Annual Trampweed is often used as ground cover, you won’t need to do much weeding around it. However, if you notice any invasive weeds competing with your plant, pull them out gently by hand.

Tip: If you’re using Annual Trampweed in a lawn setting, mowing it occasionally will help maintain its neat appearance while encouraging thicker growth.

When to Harvest: Annual Trampweed is primarily grown for its foliage and ground-cover qualities rather than for harvesting. However, if you’re interested in collecting seeds for future planting, wait until the small white flowers have turned into seed heads. This usually happens in late spring to early summer.

How to Collect Seeds:

1. Identify Seed Heads: Look for the small, fluffy seed heads that form after the flowers fade.
2. Collect Seeds: Gently shake or rub the seed heads over a container to release the seeds. The seeds are tiny, so be careful not to lose them!
3. Store Seeds: Keep the seeds in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope or a small jar until you're ready to sow them again.

Tip: If you’re letting the plant reseed naturally in your garden, you don’t need to do anything—Annual Trampweed will drop its seeds and likely come back on its own next year!

Q: Is Annual Trampweed invasive?

A: It can spread quickly, especially in lawns or open areas, but it’s not considered highly invasive. Regular mowing or trimming can help control its growth.

Q: Can I grow Annual Trampweed in pots?

A: Yes! While it’s typically used as ground cover, you can grow it in large containers. Just make sure the pot has good drainage and give it enough space to spread.

Q: Does Annual Trampweed attract pollinators?

A: Absolutely! Its small white flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Q: My Annual Trampweed looks sparse. What should I do?

A: If it’s not filling in as expected, try giving it more sunlight or lightly fertilizing it. Also, ensure it’s getting enough water, especially during dry spells.

Q: Will Annual Trampweed survive frost?

A: Unfortunately, no. As an annual plant, it will die off with the first frost. However, it usually reseeds itself, so you may see it return the following spring.