Canada Goldenrod

What you'll need:

Canada Goldenrod seeds or young plants (you can find them at garden centers or online)

A patch of your garden or a large pot (at least 12 inches wide and deep)

Regular garden soil (Goldenrods aren't too picky, but they prefer well-drained soil)

Some compost or organic matter to enrich the soil

When to start:

Canada Goldenrod thrives in spring or early fall. If you're starting from seeds, it's best to sow them outdoors after the last frost in spring. If you're using young plants, you can plant them in either spring or early fall.

Finding a good spot:

Goldenrod loves sunlight! Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. It’s also important to note that this plant spreads quite a bit, so give it plenty of space if you’re planting it in the ground.

Tip: If you’re worried about it spreading too much, consider planting it in a large pot to keep it contained.

If you have seeds:

1. Loosen the soil in your chosen spot or pot.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil—don’t bury them too deep; just press them lightly into the surface.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate.
4. Seeds usually sprout within 1-2 weeks.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing down lightly to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Planting tips:

• If planting in the ground, leave about 18-24 inches between each plant since goldenrod can spread and grow tall.
• If using pots, one plant per large pot is enough.
• After planting, sprinkle some compost around the base of the plant to give it an extra nutrient boost.

Watering:

• Once established, Canada Goldenrod is pretty drought-tolerant, but while it’s still young, water it regularly to keep the soil moist (but not soggy).
• After the plant matures, you can reduce watering unless you’re experiencing a long dry spell.

Feeding:

• Goldenrod doesn’t require heavy feeding. Adding compost or organic matter once a year is usually enough to keep it happy.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to grow too vigorously and become harder to manage.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Full sun is ideal for goldenrod, but it can tolerate partial shade.
• This plant is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters.

Minor problem solving:

• Spreading too much? If your goldenrod starts to take over, you can dig up sections of the plant to control its spread.
• Pests? Goldenrod is generally pest-resistant, but if you notice aphids, simply spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Flopping over? If the plant grows too tall and starts to lean, you can stake it to keep it upright.

When to harvest:

• Canada Goldenrod blooms from late summer to early fall, producing beautiful bright yellow flowers.
• You can harvest the flowers when they are fully open and vibrant. This is also the time when bees and other pollinators love visiting the plant!

How to harvest:

• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stems. Harvest them in the morning when the flowers are fresh and dew has dried.
• You can use the flowers fresh or dry them for later use.

After harvesting:

• Fresh flowers can be used in floral arrangements or even as a natural dye.
• To dry, hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once dried, you can use them in crafts or herbal teas (though use sparingly, as goldenrod can be strong).

Tip: Leave some flowers on the plant to attract pollinators and allow the plant to reseed itself naturally.

Q: Is Canada Goldenrod invasive?

A: It can be aggressive in certain areas because it spreads through rhizomes (underground stems). Planting it in a pot or regularly dividing it can help control its growth.

Q: Will goldenrod cause allergies?

A: Surprisingly, no! Despite common misconceptions, goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be airborne. The real culprit for fall allergies is usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time.

Q: Can I grow goldenrod in shade?

A: While goldenrod prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. However, flowering may be reduced in shadier spots.

Q: How do I stop goldenrod from spreading too much?

A: You can contain its spread by planting it in a pot or digging up excess growth. Dividing the plant every few years also helps keep it in check.

Q: Does goldenrod attract beneficial insects?

A: Absolutely! Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love goldenrod. It’s a great plant for supporting local wildlife.