Smooth Hawksbeard

What you'll need:

Smooth Hawksbeard seeds (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A patch of soil in your garden, or a large pot if planting in containers

Regular garden soil (it doesn’t need to be fancy; just something that drains well)

Basic gardening tools like a small trowel or hand fork

When to start:

Smooth Hawksbeard is pretty hardy and can grow in both spring and fall. It prefers cooler weather, so avoid the hottest part of summer. If you're starting in spring, aim for early to mid-spring when the soil is still cool. For fall planting, late summer to early fall works best.

Finding a good spot:

This plant loves sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. It's not overly picky about its location, but a spot with partial sun (about 4-6 hours of sunlight) will do nicely. If you're growing it in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Tip: Smooth Hawksbeard isn't too demanding, so even if you’re a beginner, you should find it easy to manage!

If you have seeds:

1. Start by loosening the soil in your chosen spot. Use a hand fork or trowel to break up any clumps.
2. Scatter the seeds over the soil surface. You don’t need to bury them too deep—just lightly press them into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of dirt (about 1/8 inch).
3. Water gently after sowing to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature.

If you're using seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, just big enough to fit the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Gently pat down the soil around the plant to secure it in place.
4. Water immediately after planting.

Spacing:

• If you’re planting multiple Smooth Hawksbeard plants, space them about 6-12 inches apart. This gives them room to grow without overcrowding.

Tip: Don’t worry too much about precision here—Smooth Hawksbeard is quite forgiving and adaptable.

Watering:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but don’t overdo it. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
• A good rule of thumb: check the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows any excess moisture on the leaves to dry during the day.

Feeding:

• Smooth Hawksbeard doesn’t require heavy feeding. A light sprinkle of all-purpose fertilizer once a month should be enough to keep it happy.
• Alternatively, you can mix in some compost when you first plant it, which will provide nutrients over time.

Weeding:

• Keep an eye out for weeds around your Smooth Hawksbeard. They can compete for nutrients and water. Gently pull them out as you see them, being careful not to disturb the roots of your plant.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• As mentioned earlier, this plant enjoys partial sunlight but can tolerate some shade. If temperatures get too hot, it might benefit from some afternoon shade.
• Smooth Hawksbeard is fairly cold-tolerant, so it should survive light frosts if planted in fall.

Tip: If the plant starts looking leggy or sparse, it may need more sunlight. Try moving it to a brighter spot if possible.

When to harvest:

Smooth Hawksbeard is primarily grown for its bright yellow flowers, which can appear throughout the growing season. You don’t necessarily “harvest” this plant like you would vegetables, but you can cut the flowers for bouquets or arrangements.

How to harvest:

• Simply snip off the flower stems close to the base of the plant using scissors or pruning shears.
• The leaves are also edible and can be harvested sparingly for salads or garnishes. Just pluck a few leaves from the outer edges of the plant, being careful not to strip it bare.

After flowering:

• Once the flowers fade, you can let the seed heads develop if you want the plant to self-seed for next year. Otherwise, trim back the spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Tip: Even though Smooth Hawksbeard is often considered a wildflower, it can add a lovely pop of color to your garden or containers!

Q: Is Smooth Hawksbeard invasive?

A: While it can self-seed and spread, it’s not considered highly invasive. Regular trimming and removing spent flowers before they set seed can help control its spread.

Q: Can I grow Smooth Hawksbeard indoors?

A: Technically yes, but it prefers outdoor conditions. If you want to try indoors, place it near a sunny window where it can get plenty of light.

Q: My Smooth Hawksbeard looks droopy. What should I do?

A: Check the soil moisture first. If it’s too dry, give it a good drink. If the soil is fine, it could be getting too much direct sunlight and might benefit from some afternoon shade.

Q: Do pests bother Smooth Hawksbeard?

A: Generally, it’s pretty pest-resistant. However, aphids or slugs might occasionally show up. You can remove aphids with a spray of water or use organic slug bait if necessary.

Q: How long does Smooth Hawksbeard bloom?

A: It can bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season, especially if you deadhead spent flowers. Expect bursts of yellow blooms from spring through fall!

Q: Can I grow Smooth Hawksbeard in poor soil?

A: Yes! It’s quite adaptable and can handle less-than-perfect soil, but adding a bit of compost or fertilizer will give it a boost and lead to healthier growth.