Jim's Favorite Ratibida Seeds

Ratibida Seed ( Perennial )

Gardening info:

The festive flower heads resemble the traditional broad-brimmed, high-centered hat worn during Mexican fiestas and bloom late summer into fall. Plant has an open airy growth pattern. A native prairie plant.
Good for Cut Flowers, Hot Dry site tolerant, Attracts Butterflies, Good for Dried Flowers
This is a drought tolerant plant that withstands competition. Plants with rich, brown-purple ray flowers are form pulcherima. Mexican Hat is a fast growing wildflower that is not fussy about soils and is easy to grow from seed. Showy flowers bloom over a long season. Foliage has a strong odor that repels deer.

Very easy to propagate from seed in spring or fall though a fall seeding is recommended. Seeds do not have to be treated but may benefit from a period of stratification. Plants from seed usually bloom the second year. Be sure the seed is in good contact with the soil by lightly raking it into loose topsoil.

JM202 Mexican Hat ( Ratibida columnaris )

A robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the midwest and has naturalized throughout North America. The characteristic black, cone shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent. At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody. Prefers full sun in well drained soil. Outstanding in hot humid climates.
The Mexican Hat flower is a great source of nectar for beneficial insects, and the Ratibida plants are deer resistant.
Suggested Use: Prairies, roadsides, waste places, slopes. Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements lasting 5 to 10 days . Flower resembles a colorful Mexican sombrero, hence the name. Mexican Hat.
Good for zones 3-9, will grow 12-36 inches tall depending on conditions.