Common Sneezeweed

What you'll need:

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

A sunny spot in your garden or a large pot with drainage holes

Regular garden soil (sneezeweed isn’t too picky about soil type, but it likes moist conditions)

Some compost or all-purpose fertilizer to give it a good start

When to start:

Sneezeweed loves the sun and blooms best in late summer to early fall. You can plant seeds in early spring when the soil is workable, or if you’re using young plants, wait until after the last frost in your area.

Finding a good spot:

This plant thrives in full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. It also likes moist soil, so if your garden tends to be dry, consider planting it near a water source or in a spot where water naturally collects.

Tip: If you're using seeds, soak them in water overnight before planting to help them germinate faster.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sprinkling the seeds on the surface of the soil in your chosen spot or pot.
2. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil—just enough to keep them from blowing away.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Seeds should sprout in about 1-2 weeks if the soil is kept damp and warm.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole that’s about the same size as the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the young plant in the hole and fill the surrounding space with soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle into their new home.

Spacing tip:

If you’re planting more than one sneezeweed, space them about 18-24 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow without crowding each other.

Extra tip: Adding a bit of compost around the base of the plant after planting will give it an extra nutrient boost!

Watering:

• Sneezeweed likes moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged.
• In hot weather, you might need to water every other day or even daily if it’s particularly dry.

Feeding time:

• Use a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall) to keep your sneezeweed happy.
• Alternatively, sprinkle some compost around the base of the plant every few weeks for a natural nutrient boost.

Dealing with pests:

• Sneezeweed is pretty tough, but sometimes aphids or spider mites can show up. If you see tiny bugs on the leaves, spray them off with a hose or use insecticidal soap.

Pruning and deadheading:

• To encourage more flowers and a tidier appearance, snip off spent blooms (this is called deadheading). Just pinch or cut the faded flowers just above a leaf or bud.
• After flowering ends in the fall, you can cut back the plant to about 6 inches tall to prepare it for winter.

Winter care:

• Sneezeweed is hardy and doesn’t need much special care for winter. Just make sure to mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Wait, do we harvest sneezeweed?

Actually, sneezeweed is mostly grown for its beautiful flowers rather than harvesting. The bright yellow, orange, or red daisy-like blooms add a pop of color to your garden in late summer and early fall!

But if you want to collect seeds for next year:

1. Let the flower heads dry out on the plant until they turn brown.
2. Once the seed heads are dry, snip them off and shake out the seeds over a bowl or paper towel.
3. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope or jar until you’re ready to plant again next spring.

Tip: If you don’t want sneezeweed to spread too much, remove the seed heads before they drop seeds onto the ground.

Q: Does sneezeweed really make you sneeze?

A: No, sneezeweed won’t make you sneeze! Despite its name, this plant is not related to hay fever or allergies. The name comes from an old use of the dried plant as snuff, which was thought to help clear sinuses.

Q: Can sneezeweed grow in partial shade?

A: While sneezeweed prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. However, it may not bloom as much or grow as tall if it doesn’t get enough sunlight.

Q: Is sneezeweed invasive?

A: Sneezeweed can self-seed, meaning it might spread more than you want if you don’t remove the seed heads. But as long as you keep an eye on it, it’s not considered highly invasive.

Q: Why are my sneezeweed leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean the plant is either getting too much water or not enough. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, cut back on watering; if it’s dry, water more frequently.

Q: Do deer eat sneezeweed?

A: Sneezeweed isn’t a favorite snack for deer, so it’s a good choice if you live in an area with lots of deer. However, hungry deer might nibble on it if there’s nothing else around.