New Jersey Tea Seeds - Native Shrub (Ceanothus americanus) for Wildlife Gardens

🌱 Outdoor Sowing (Direct in Ground)

Best Time:

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  Sow in fall (late September–November) for natural cold stratification.
  
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  Alternatively, sow in early spring once soil can be worked.
  

Site Selection:

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  Full sun (6+ hours daily).
  
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  Dry to medium, well-drained soils (sandy or rocky preferred).
  

Soil Preparation:

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  Remove weeds and loosen the top 1–2 inches of soil.
  
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  Do not heavily amend; prairie species prefer lean soils.
  

Sowing Depth:

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  Scatter seeds on the soil surface.
  
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  Press lightly into soil but do not cover — seeds require light to germinate.
  

Watering:

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  Lightly water after sowing.
  
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  Keep soil just barely moist until germination, then allow to dry between waterings (drought-tolerant once established).
  

Maintenance:

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  Mark sowing site to avoid disturbance.
  
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  Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart.
  
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  Minimal care required after establishment.
  

🌱 Indoor Sowing (for Transplanting Outdoors)

Best Time:

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  Begin indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost (late winter to early spring).
  

Seed Prep (Stratification):

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  Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for ~30 days.
  
  
  Place seeds in moist sand or vermiculite inside a plastic bag.
  
  
  Refrigerate (not freeze) for 1 month before sowing.
  
  
  

Containers & Medium:

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  Use shallow seed trays or small pots.
  
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  Well-draining seed starting mix (sandy/peat blend).
  

Sowing Depth:

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  Surface sow seeds — do not bury.
  
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  Gently press into soil for contact.
  

Light & Temperature:

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  Provide bright light (grow light or sunny south window).
  
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  Optimal germination temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
  

Watering:

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  Mist to keep surface moist, not soggy.
  
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  Avoid overwatering, as seedlings are sensitive to rot.
  

Transplanting Outdoors:

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  Harden off seedlings 7–10 days before planting.
  
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  Space plants 8–12 inches apart in full sun, well-drained soil.
  

✅ Notes:

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  Antennaria neglecta is a low-growing groundcover valuable for erosion control and pollinator support.
  
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  Attracts butterflies, especially as a host plant for American Lady caterpillars.
  
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  Extremely drought tolerant once established.