Lindstroem's Groundsel

Choosing Lindstroem's Groundsel Seeds or Plants: Hi there, gardening enthusiast! Lindstroem's Groundsel is a lovely plant that can add some charm to your garden. You may not find this plant at every garden center, so you might need to look for seeds online or visit a local nursery that specializes in native or rare plants.

Timing: Lindstroem's Groundsel prefers cooler climates and can handle frost better than many other plants. If you're starting with seeds, it’s best to sow them in early spring or late fall. If you’re using seedlings, plant them in the ground after the last hard frost has passed.

Tools and Materials:

Seeds or young plants

Pots (if starting indoors) or a prepared garden bed

Well-draining soil (try mixing regular garden soil with some sand or perlite)

Watering can or hose

Basic garden tools like a trowel and gloves

• A shady or partially shaded spot

Tip: Since this plant likes moist soil, make sure the area you choose doesn’t dry out too quickly!

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist, well-draining soil.
2. Sprinkle 2-3 seeds in each pot or tray section, pressing them lightly into the soil (they need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deep).
3. Mist the soil gently to keep it moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a cool spot with indirect sunlight—this plant prefers partial shade.
5. Be patient! Seeds will sprout in about 2-3 weeks if conditions are right.
6. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.

If Using Seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. Space plants about 10-12 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Tip: Lindstroem’s Groundsel loves moisture, so water regularly but avoid letting the soil get waterlogged.

Sunlight Requirements: This plant thrives in partial shade. While it can tolerate a bit of morning sun, it’s happiest when it gets shade during the hottest part of the day. Think of placing it under a tree or near a building where it won’t get full sun all day.

Watering Method:

• Keep the soil consistently moist. This plant doesn’t like to dry out completely.
• Water every 2-3 days, depending on how fast the soil dries out.
• Check the soil by sticking your finger into it—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Aim to water the base of the plant rather than soaking the leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Fertilizer isn’t absolutely necessary, but if you want to give your plant a little boost, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month.
• Avoid over-fertilizing—too much can lead to leggy growth or weak stems.

Supporting Your Plants: Lindstroem’s Groundsel typically grows in a neat clump, so it doesn’t usually need staking or support. However, if you notice it leaning or spreading too much, you can gently tie it to a small stake for stability.

Tip: Mulching around the base of the plant with bark chips or straw can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

When to Harvest: While Lindstroem’s Groundsel isn’t typically grown for edible purposes, you might want to harvest its bright yellow flowers for decorative arrangements or to collect seeds for next year’s planting. The flowers usually appear in late spring to early summer.

How to Harvest Flowers or Seeds:

• For flowers: Simply snip off the blooms with scissors or pinch them off with your fingers when they’re fully open.
• For seeds: Allow some flowers to remain on the plant until they turn brown and dry out. Then, carefully collect the seed heads and shake out the seeds into a paper bag.

Storage:

• Fresh flowers can be placed in a vase with water to enjoy indoors.
• Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed envelope or jar for planting next season.

Tip: If you’re not planning to save seeds, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.

Q: Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too wet. If needed, add more sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Q: Can I grow Lindstroem’s Groundsel in full sun?

A: It can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, but it generally prefers partial shade. Too much direct sunlight, especially in warmer areas, can stress the plant.

Q: How do I prevent pests from bothering my plant?

A: Lindstroem’s Groundsel is relatively pest-resistant, but slugs and snails can sometimes be an issue. Use organic slug bait or create a barrier of crushed eggshells around the plant to deter them.

Q: My plant is flowering, but the blooms are falling off without producing seeds. What’s wrong?

A: This could be due to inconsistent watering or temperature fluctuations. Try to maintain a steady watering schedule and protect the plant from extreme heat or cold.

Q: Is Lindstroem’s Groundsel invasive?

A: No, it’s not considered invasive. It’s a well-behaved perennial that stays contained within its growing area. However, it can self-seed if you let the flowers go to seed, so you might see new plants popping up nearby.