Orange Hawkweed

Choosing Orange Hawkweed: Orange Hawkweed, also known as "Devil's Paintbrush," is a vibrant and hardy plant that’s perfect for beginners. While it can be grown from seeds, many gardeners prefer starting with young plants or divisions because they establish more quickly.

When to Plant: This plant loves cooler weather, so early spring or fall is the best time to plant it. If you live in a warmer climate, aim for late fall when the heat has subsided.

Tools and Materials:

Seeds, seedlings, or divisions of Orange Hawkweed

A pot or garden space with well-draining soil

Compost or general-purpose fertilizer (optional)

Mulch (to help retain moisture)

Watering can or hose

Tip: Orange Hawkweed spreads quickly, so if you're planting it in your garden, make sure you give it enough room or plan to control its growth later on.

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds sparingly over the surface of the soil. Lightly press them into the soil but don’t bury them too deep—Orange Hawkweed seeds need light to germinate.
3. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a cool spot with indirect sunlight.
5. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

If Using Seedlings or Divisions:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling or division.
2. Gently place the plant into the hole and cover the roots with soil.
3. Press down lightly around the base to secure the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Plant Spacing: Leave about 12 inches (30 cm) between each plant if you’re planting multiple Orange Hawkweeds. This gives them enough space to spread without overcrowding.

Tip: Orange Hawkweed prefers partial shade to full sun, so pick a spot that gets some morning sun but has some afternoon shade.

Sunlight Requirements: Orange Hawkweed does well in both full sun and partial shade, but it tends to thrive best in areas with some afternoon shade. Too much harsh sun can cause the leaves to dry out.

Watering Method:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
• Check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Avoid letting the soil get too soggy, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Orange Hawkweed doesn’t require heavy feeding. If you feel the need, add a light layer of compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
• Be cautious with fertilizer—too much can cause the plant to grow too vigorously and become invasive.

Pruning and Maintenance:

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent self-seeding if you want to control its spread.
• After flowering, you can cut back the plant if it starts looking leggy or untidy.

Tip: Orange Hawkweed is a tough plant, so it doesn’t require a lot of fuss. Just keep an eye on watering and deadheading to maintain a healthy look.

When to Harvest: Orange Hawkweed is primarily grown for its beautiful orange flowers rather than for harvesting. However, if you want to collect seeds for future planting:

• Wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry on the plant.
• Cut the flower heads and shake them gently over a paper bag to release the seeds.

How to Harvest Flowers (Optional): If you want to enjoy the flowers indoors, simply snip the stems just above a leaf node. Place them in water immediately to keep them fresh.

Storage:

• If you’ve collected seeds, store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container until you’re ready to plant them again.
• Fresh flowers can be placed in a vase, but they tend to last only a few days.

Tip: The bright orange blooms are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, so consider leaving them in your garden as long as possible!

Q: Is Orange Hawkweed invasive?

A: Yes, it can be. In some regions, Orange Hawkweed spreads aggressively and can take over lawns and gardens. To manage it, deadhead flowers before they set seed, and remove any unwanted runners or new plants that pop up.

Q: Can I grow Orange Hawkweed in containers?

A: Absolutely! Growing it in containers can help control its spread. Just ensure the pot has good drainage and enough space for the plant to grow.

Q: Why are my Orange Hawkweed leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too wet. If water pools around the roots, let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.

Q: Does Orange Hawkweed attract wildlife?

A: Yes! Its bright flowers are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Q: Should I deadhead Orange Hawkweed?

A: Deadheading helps prolong blooming and prevents the plant from spreading via seeds. If you want to control its growth, regular deadheading is a good idea.

Q: How do I stop Orange Hawkweed from spreading too much?

A: Regularly remove excess runners or unwanted plants. You can also plant it in a confined area or container to limit its spread.