Arctic Groundsel
Tephroseris frigida
Grow Time
60-90 days
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Every 5-7 days
Toxicity
Mildly toxic
How to plant Arctic Groundsel: Step-by-Step Guide
Growing Guide
Preparation
Choosing Arctic Groundsel: Hey there, future gardener! Arctic Groundsel is a unique plant that thrives in cooler climates, making it perfect if you live in a chilly area or want to add some alpine charm to your garden. You can start with seeds or small seedlings, which are often available at specialty nurseries or online.
Timing: Since Arctic Groundsel is used to cold environments, the best time to plant is in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler. Avoid planting during the hot summer months as it prefers milder conditions.
Tools and Materials:
Arctic Groundsel seeds or seedlings
Small pots or a designated garden space
Well-draining soil (a mix of sand and regular potting soil works great)
Watering can or spray bottle
- A sunny or partially shaded spot
Tip: If you're unsure about the soil, adding some gravel or perlite can help improve drainage, which Arctic Groundsel loves!
Planting
If Using Seeds:
- Fill small pots or seed trays with a well-draining soil mix.
- Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil—don’t bury them too deep, just lightly press them into the surface.
- Mist the soil gently with water to keep it moist but not soggy.
- Place the pots in a cool, bright location where they can get some sunlight but not too much heat.
- Seeds should germinate in about 2-3 weeks, so be patient!
- Once the seedlings have grown a bit and have a couple of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or your garden.
If Using Seedlings:
- Dig a small hole in your garden or pot, just big enough for the root ball of the seedling.
- Gently place the seedling in the hole, making sure the roots are covered with soil.
- Lightly press the soil around the base of the plant to secure it.
- Water the plant gently right after planting.
Tip: Arctic Groundsel doesn’t like being moved around too much, so try to plant it where it can stay without too many disturbances.
Growing Care
Sunlight Requirements: Arctic Groundsel enjoys sunlight but also appreciates some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Aim for a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, or partial shade throughout the day.
Watering Method:
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged—think of it like a damp sponge.
- Water every few days, depending on how quickly the soil dries out.
- Always check the top layer of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water again.
- Use a spray bottle or a gentle watering can to avoid washing away the soil.
Fertilizing Tips:
- Arctic Groundsel doesn’t need heavy feeding. A light sprinkle of general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season is plenty.
- If you’re using liquid fertilizer, dilute it more than the recommended amount to avoid overfeeding.
Supporting Your Plants: This plant grows low to the ground and doesn’t need stakes or supports. However, if you notice it spreading too much, you can gently divide the plant to keep it tidy.
Tip: Mulching around the base with small stones or gravel can help retain moisture and mimic its natural habitat.
Harvesting
When to "Harvest": Arctic Groundsel isn’t typically harvested like vegetables or herbs. Instead, it’s more of an ornamental plant that adds beauty to your garden. However, if you’d like to collect seeds for future planting, wait until the flower heads have dried out and turned brown.
How to Collect Seeds:
- Gently shake the dried flower heads over a piece of paper or cloth to catch the tiny seeds.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in a small envelope or jar until you’re ready to plant them again.
Tip: If you don’t plan to collect seeds, you can simply enjoy the plant's yellow flowers as they bloom in spring and early summer. They’ll naturally reseed themselves if conditions are right!
Plant Care FAQ
Q: Why are my Arctic Groundsel leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is well-draining and adjust your watering schedule to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can I grow Arctic Groundsel indoors?
A: It’s possible, but challenging. Arctic Groundsel prefers cooler temperatures and good air circulation. If you do try indoors, place it near a bright window with cooler conditions, like a north-facing window.
Q: My plant isn’t flowering—what’s wrong?
A: Arctic Groundsel might not flower if it’s too warm or if it’s not getting enough light. Try moving it to a cooler, brighter spot and make sure it’s not stressed by overwatering or poor drainage.
Q: Does Arctic Groundsel attract any pests?
A: Generally, it’s pretty pest-resistant, but watch out for slugs or snails, which can munch on the leaves. You can use organic slug repellents or pick them off by hand if you notice them.
Q: How do I stop my plant from spreading too much?
A: Arctic Groundsel can spread through self-seeding. To control its growth, remove spent flowers before they set seed, or gently dig up and divide the plant to keep it contained.
Tip: Remember, Arctic Groundsel is a hardy plant, so don’t worry too much—it’s pretty forgiving as long as you give it the basics it needs!
Pro Tips
1. Alpine Charm
Pair Arctic Groundsel with other alpine plants like moss campion or saxifrage for a beautiful rock garden display that mimics its natural habitat.2. Cool Climate Bonus
If you live in a colder region, Arctic Groundsel will thrive more easily since it’s adapted to those conditions. Take advantage of its resilience!3. Rock Garden Friend
Plant it in a rock garden or alongside stones—it loves the extra drainage and cooler microclimate that rocks provide.4. Divide and Conquer
Every few years, you can divide the plant to prevent it from spreading too much while also encouraging healthier growth.5. Low Maintenance Beauty
Arctic Groundsel is perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Once established, it requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading.6. Naturalizing Perfection
If you have a wildflower or meadow area, Arctic Groundsel can be a great addition, as it will naturally reseed and blend beautifully with other wildflowers.7. Winter Interest
Even though it’s dormant in winter, Arctic Groundsel keeps its dried foliage intact, providing some texture to your garden even in colder months.8. Early Spring Blooms
Its bright yellow flowers are some of the first to pop up in spring, making it a cheerful sign that warmer weather is on the way.