How to Grow Edelweiss from Seeds

 

The scientific name of Edelweiss is Leontopodium alpinum and the plant is a perennial flower that is native to the alpine regions of southern Europe. The plant is hardy in USDA zones four to seven. The Edelweiss is actually a protected flower in several countries including Germany, Switzerland and France. Edelweiss flower are easy to grow from seed depending on your climate, and the flowers make a stunning addition to your rock garden.

 

How to Grow Edelweiss

The word edelweiss can be translated from German as "noble white." The flower of the plant appears as white, wooly blossoms, however, the edelweiss flower itself is small and yellow, and the surrounding blossom is actually silvery-white leaves. The other edelweiss leaves on the plant have a felt-like texture and they are green-gray in color.

Make sure you select a location where the plant will get partial shade. The edelweiss plant does not like hot, humid climates. The plant can withstand other extreme weather conditions like cold and wind.

 

Where Does the Edelweiss Flower Grow?

Actually in its native environment, the plant grows in rocky, limestone areas. If you are planting the edelweiss flower locally, it's perfectly suited for a rock garden. If actually planted in soil, the soil must be loose and drain well as the edelweiss flowers cannot tolerate wet soil and it can easily develop crown rot. Most gardeners recommend a planting mix of lime, small pebbles and sand with also a small amount of peat moss.

 

How to Grow Edelweiss from Seeds

Start the edelweiss seeds directly in your garden before the last frost in the spring by sprinkling the edelweiss seeds on the garden bed. Make sure you keep the edelweiss seeds moist at all times by misting the seeds. Just be very careful with other methods of watering as the edelweiss seeds may easily be washed away. The edelweiss seeds will germinate in about 4 to 6 weeks. 

On the other hand, you can start the edelweiss seeds indoors about 2 months before the last frost. Wrap the edelweiss seeds and a small amount of soil in a black, plastic bag and then place it in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks. Then, sprinkle the edelweiss seeds on the seedbed and keep at a temperature of fifty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the edelweiss seeds regularly to keep the seeds moist for successful germination.   

Transplant the edelweiss seedlings to the garden after the last frost in the spring. Space the edelweiss seedlings about four to twelve inches apart. Growing edelweiss in pots is also possible.

 

Edelweiss Plant Care

Your edelweiss plant will not flower during its first year. You will start seeing blooms during its second year of growth, generally between July and September. If you are growing edelweiss in pots, make sure you keep the plant outdoors because they don't thrive indoors.

Naturally, the edelweiss plants lives in snowy climates and the plant grow best when there is snow each year. If you do not actually live in a climate with snow, make sure you apply mulch in the fall to simulate the effects of snow. You can remove the mulch in the spring.

Generally the edelweiss plants are not prone to disease or pest infestations other than crown rot if soil conditions are too wet. Make sure you water regularly especially during the first year of growth. The edelweiss plants are drought tolerant and they prefers poor, alkaline soils, and fertilizer is rarely needed. The edelweiss plants are perennials and they generally lives only 2 to 7 years.