Pussytoes

Site Selection

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  Light: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for best flowering.
  
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  Soil: Thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils with good drainage. Avoid heavy clay or consistently wet soils.
  
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  Setting: Naturally found in meadows, open woods, prairies, and dry slopes.
  

Sowing Outdoors

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  Best Time: Late fall (for natural stratification) or early spring after danger of frost has passed.
  
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  Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to create a fine seedbed; remove weeds and debris.
  
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  Seeding Depth: Surface sow the seeds – they require light for germination. Do not bury them; simply press them gently into the soil.
  
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  Spacing: Scatter seeds lightly or plant 12–18 inches apart if using plugs or transplants.
  
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  Watering: Water lightly after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist until germination, then allow it to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause rot.
  

Starting Indoors

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  When: 6–8 weeks before last frost date.
  
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  Stratification: A cold, moist stratification for about 30–60 days can improve germination. This can be done by mixing seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and refrigerating them.
  
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  Seeding: Sow on the surface of sterile seed-starting mix. Press seeds in gently; do not cover with soil.
  
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  Light: Provide bright light (grow lights or sunny window).
  
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  Transplanting: Harden off seedlings before planting outside in well-drained soil.
  

Maintenance & Care

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  Watering: Very drought tolerant once established; only water in prolonged dry periods.
  
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  Growth Habit: Spreads slowly by stolons, forming a silvery mat-like groundcover.
  
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  Pruning: Deadhead flower stalks to encourage thicker mats of foliage.
  

Wildlife Value: Host plant for the American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillars.