Choosing Ontario Native plants for your garden is highly beneficial for various reasons. Native plants tend to be generally well adapted to their environment, meaning it will require little maintenance once established. It is also beneficial to wildlife providing nutritionally appropriate food as well as shelter for our region’s wildlife. Native plants attract pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies. By choosing to plant native flower seeds you will be helping Ontario feed pollinators. Here is a guide to plant the following: Coreopsis Lanceolata
Description
Coreopsis Lanceolata, a member of the Asteraceae (Aster family), grows in small clumps oftentimes along roadsides and in old farm fields. This native plant blooms from April until June. Lance-leaved coreopsis is the most common coreopsis and is easy to grow.The The yellow, daisy-like flowers are a popular plant for visiting pollinators.
How to Grow
It is highly recommended to plant seeds in the spring. Coreopsis Lanceolata can also be propagated by division. In the fall, lift a clump from the outer edge of the plant and separate the rosette. Remove a few of the leaves to reduce moisture loss, replant, and water thoroughly.
Coreopsis Lanceolata Care
To improve appearance it may be selectively thinned by removing clumps from the interior of the planting. It should have frequent deadheading to keep it in bloom well into the summer. It is important to note that it self-sows readily and when left uncared for it can become weedy.
To Harvest Seeds:
It is recommended to wait about four weeks after the flowers wither to collect seeds. When the inner series of bracts (a modified leaf or scale) begin to darken, it is time to collect. Remove chaff and store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Storage life is at least three years.
Resources :
Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cola5
Seeds Available at Select Seed Libraries:
Need to Read Little Library: 62 Salem Ave Hamilton ON L9A3W3
Little Free Library: 91 Wexford Ave South Hamilton ON L8K2N7
The Hamilton Seed Library is a free initiative for all to borrow from! However, there are some costs associated with maintaining the program and ensuring seeds continue to be available for access. If you are enjoying your seeds, please help keep the program going by donating via E-transfer to director@greenventure.ca or on our DONATE page via PayPal.
