Beardtongue Seeds

(Penstemon barbatus 'Praecox Nanus') Perennial. Zones 5 - 8.

Beardtongue, aptly named for its showy tubular flowers with fine hairs on them, has long been used in traditional plant medicine. Plants bloom mid Summer, with a mix of pink, blue and red flowers. Their leathery green leaves are also attractive on their own. Plants can be easily divided in early Spring. Once flowers begin, remove spent blooms to promote further growth. Established plants can tolerate dry conditions well.  

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Place seed pack in the freezer for 1 week before sowing

TIMING: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before final Spring frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

GERMINATION: 14-21 days. Prefers temperature between 20-24°C. Keep soil moist until germination.

SEEDING: Sow seeds on the soil surface, tamp down gently. Space plants 12” apart. 

GROWING: Partial shade to full sun. Beardtongue will flower their second Summer. Prefers sandy, well-draining soil. Tolerates poor soil well, too much fertilizer/compost can even impede blooms. Plants will easily self-seed, cut flower stalks before they go to seed—if this isn’t desirable in your garden.

HARVESTING: Cut flower stalks when a third of the blooms are open. An excellent addition to all your vase arrangements! 

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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia, Canada.

Beardtongue seeds are an open pollinated variety.