Hairy Wood Mint Seeds - Native Shade Wildflower (Blephilia hirsuta)

🌱 Indoor Sowing (Recommended for Controlled Germination)

1. 
   Timing: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost date.
   
2. 
   Stratification:
   
   
   Place seeds in a moistened medium (such as damp sand or vermiculite) inside a sealed bag.
   
   
   Refrigerate for 30–60 days (cold-moist stratification improves germination).
   
   
   
3. 
   Planting Depth: Sow seeds on the soil surface — do not bury; they need light to germinate. Press gently so they make good contact with the soil.
   
4. 
   Soil: Use a well-drained seed-starting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.
   
5. 
   Light & Temperature:
   
   
   Provide bright indirect light or grow lights for at least 12–14 hrs/day.
   
   
   Keep soil at 60–70°F (15–21°C) during germination.
   
   
   
6. 
   Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged (a humidity dome helps).
   
7. 
   Germination: Usually occurs in 14–30 days, but can take longer if stratification was short.
   
8. 
   Transplanting: After danger of frost, harden off seedlings for 7–10 days, then plant outdoors at 12–18 inches apart.
   

🌿 Direct Outdoor Sowing

1. 
   Best Time:
   
   
   Fall (Sept–Nov): Sow directly so seeds naturally cold-stratify over winter.
   
   
   Early Spring: If sowing in spring, cold-moist stratify seeds indoors for 30–60 days first.
   
   
   
2. 
   Site Selection: Choose partial shade to full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Woodland edges and lightly shaded garden beds work well.
   
3. 
   Seed Prep: If sowing in spring, pre-chill seeds (30–60 days) to break dormancy.
   
4. 
   Planting Depth: Scatter seeds on soil surface and press lightly. Do not cover with heavy soil or mulch.
   
5. 
   Watering: Water gently to keep soil evenly moist until germination; once established, it tolerates average garden moisture.
   
6. 
   Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–18 inches apart to allow air circulation and natural clump growth.
   

✅ Extra Tips:

• 
  Hairy Wood Mint is low-maintenance once established and can thrive in partial woodland shade.
  
• 
  Mulch lightly the first year to conserve moisture, but don’t smother seeds.
  
• 
  Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a tidier appearance but is not required for pollinator value.
  

Would you like me to format these instructions into a ready-to-use printable section for your seed packets or workbook (e.g., with icons for indoor/outdoor steps)?