The Indian paintbrush flowers are also known as Castilleja and
they are named for the clusters of spiky blooms that resemble paintbrushes
dipped in bright red or orange-yellow paint. Growing the Indian paintbrush flowers can add interest to the
native garden.
Indian Paintbrush Info
The Indian paintbrush flower which is also known as
Castilleja grow in forest clearings and grasslands across the western and
southwestern United States. The Indian paintbrush wildflower is actually a
biennial plant that usually develops rosettes the first year and stalks of
blooms in spring or early summer of the second year. The Indian paintbrush wildflower
is short-lived and dies after it sets seed. On the other hand if conditions are
right, the plant reseeds itself every autumn. The Indian paintbrush wildflower
grows when it is planted in close proximity with other plants, primarily
grasses or native plants like blue-eyed grass or penstemon. This is because the
Indian paintbrush wildflower sends roots out to the other plants, then
penetrates the roots and “borrows” nutrients it needs in order to survive. The Indian
paintbrush wildflower tolerates cold winters, although it doesn’t perform well
in the warmer climates of USDA zones eight and above.
How to Grow Castilleja Indian
Paintbrush
Actually to grow Indian paintbrush is
tricky, although it isn’t impossible. The Indian paintbrush doesn’t do well in a manicured formal
garden and it has the best chance of success in a prairie or wildflower meadow
with other native plants. The plant actually needs full sunlight and a well-drained
soil. Plant the Indian paintbrush seeds when the soil is between fifty-five
and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. The Indian paintbrush is slow to germinate and may not make
an appearance for as long as 3 or 4 months. Colonies of the plant will
eventually develop if you help the plant by planting the seeds every autumn. You
can easily clip the blooms as soon as they wilt if you don’t want the plant to
reseed itself.
How to Care for Indian Paintbrush
You need to keep the soil
consistently moist for the first year, but don’t let the soil to become soggy
or waterlogged. Thereafter, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and they
need only occasional watering. The established Indian paintbrush requires no
further attention. Don’t fertilize the plant.
Saving Indian Paintbrush Seeds
If you actually want to save the Indian
paintbrush seeds for later planting, you can harvest the pods as soon as they
begin to appear dry and brown. Just spread the pods to dry or you can place
them in a brown paper bag and shake them often. When the pods are dry you can
remove the seeds and then store them in a cool, dry place.
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