Forcing Liatris - Preservation in Northern States

Outdoors the corms can stay in the ground and used as a perennial - indoors the corms cannot be preserved

 

Avg Time                 Avg Time                 Avg Plant Ht                              Climatic

of Planting              of Flower                 In.            Cm.                            Zone

May-June                 Aug-Oct                   20-30       50-70                       3 and 4

May-June                 Aug-Oct                   20-30       50-70                       5 and 6

Mar-April                 Jul-Aug                    20-30       50-70                       7 and 8

Sep-Feb                   Jan-Jun                    20-30       50-70                       9 and 10

 

Depending on time of year & temperatures, flowering time can range from 12 to 24 weeks. Use size 6/8 as annual cut flower or

size 8/10 or 10/11 as perennial.

 

Forcing Time

Depending on the time of year and temperature, the forcing time can range from 8 weeks to 16 weeks.

 

Storage After Arrival

Limit storage to a maximum of 2-3 weeks at 45°F. DO NOT REFREEZE

 

Planting

Well drained soil enriched with compost such as a sandy soil or sandy clay soil, is most suitable. Plant year-round with 6 bulbs per square foot at 2-3" deep.

 

Light

If planting outdoors, choose a location in full sun. Indoor growing in the fall and winter should be done in a greenhouse with good light intensity.

 

Watering

Regular watering is essential. Liatris prefer consistently moist, but not soggy soil.

 

Fertilizer

After plants emerge a regular liquid fertilizer will help to make a stronger plant.