Cardinal Flower

What you'll need:

Cardinal flower seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 10 inches wide) or a spot in your garden

Moist soil, preferably rich and loamy (if your soil is dry, mix in some compost to help it hold water)

Mulch (this will help keep the soil moist)

When to start:

Cardinal flowers love moisture and cooler weather, so spring is a great time to plant. If you're starting with seeds indoors, begin about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. For outdoor planting, wait until after the danger of frost has passed.

Finding a good spot:

Cardinal flowers thrive in partial shade to full sun, depending on how much moisture they get. If you have a spot near a stream, pond, or any damp area, that’s perfect! Otherwise, choose a place that gets morning sun but has some shade in the afternoon. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist—these plants don’t like drying out.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether your soil is moist enough, try digging a small hole and filling it with water. If it drains slowly, you’ve got the right conditions for cardinal flowers!

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sprinkling the seeds on top of moist soil in a small pot or tray. Don’t bury them too deep—they need light to germinate.
2. Gently press the seeds into the soil surface.
3. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) by misting it with water regularly.
4. Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light.
5. Seeds usually sprout in about 2-3 weeks.

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have a couple of sets of leaves, you can transplant them to larger pots or directly into your garden.

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 fill it in with soil, gently pressing down to make sure there are no air pockets.
3. Water immediately after planting to help the roots settle in.

Planting tips:

• Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart if you’re planting more than one.
• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil moist and cool.
• If you’re planting near a water feature, position the plants close enough to benefit from the extra moisture but not so close that they get waterlogged.

Watering:

• Cardinal flowers need consistent moisture. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water again.

Feeding:

• Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall).
• If you added compost to the soil when planting, you might not need to fertilize as often.

Sunlight:

• These plants prefer partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• In cooler areas, they can handle more direct sunlight as long as their roots stay moist.

Pruning and Deadheading:

• You can pinch off faded flowers (deadhead) to encourage more blooms throughout the season.
• After flowering, cut back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the ground to help the plant conserve energy for next year.

Tip: Cardinal flowers attract hummingbirds! If you want to enjoy these beautiful visitors, plant your flowers where you can easily see them from your home.

When to harvest seeds:

• If you want to collect seeds for next year, wait until the flowers fade and form small seed pods.
• Once the pods turn brown and dry, carefully snip them off and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.

How to harvest:

• Cut the seed pods using scissors or pruners.
• Place the pods in a paper bag or envelope to catch the tiny seeds as they dry completely.
• Store the seeds in a cool, dry spot until next planting season.

After flowering season:

• Cardinal flowers are perennials, meaning they’ll come back year after year if cared for properly.
• In colder climates, add a thicker layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots during winter.

Tip: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider digging up a few plants and keeping them in pots indoors over the winter.

Q: My cardinal flower's leaves are turning yellow. What should I do?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean the plant is getting too much sun or not enough water. Move it to a shadier spot or increase watering frequency, keeping the soil consistently moist.

Q: Can I grow cardinal flowers in containers?

A: Yes! Just make sure the container is large enough (at least 10 inches wide) and has good drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the pot in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Q: Do cardinal flowers attract wildlife?

A: Absolutely! They are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Planting them near a window or patio can give you a front-row seat to watch these pollinators in action.

Q: How do I prevent my cardinal flowers from spreading too much?

A: Cardinal flowers can self-seed if you don’t remove the seed pods. To control their spread, simply deadhead spent flowers before they form seed pods.

Q: Can I divide my cardinal flower plants?

A: Yes, but it’s best done in early spring. Carefully dig up the plant, separate the root clumps, and replant them in new spots with moist soil.