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Outdoor Planting (Direct Sowing)

Best for: Most gardeners—Tidy Tips prefers to be sown directly where it will grow.

Timing:

• 
  Sow in fall in Mediterranean or mild-winter areas (like California) so seeds can naturally stratify over winter and bloom in spring.
  
• 
  In cooler climates, sow in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
  

Steps:

1. 
   Choose a sunny spot – Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day).
   
2. 
   Prepare the soil – Loosen the top 2–3 inches of soil; Tidy Tips prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Avoid rich or heavy clay.
   
3. 
   Sow seeds – Scatter seeds on the surface and press lightly into the soil. Do not bury deeply; seeds need some light to germinate.
   
4. 
   Water gently – Keep the soil lightly moist until germination (7–14 days).
   
5. 
   Thin seedlings – Once they’re about 2" tall, space plants 6–12 inches apart to allow for air circulation and full growth.
   
6. 
   Maintenance – Water occasionally; overwatering can cause rot. No fertilizer needed for wildflower conditions.
   

🌿 Indoor Planting (Seed Starting)

Best for: Short-season climates where you want blooms earlier.

Timing:

• 
  Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.

Steps:

1. 
   Containers: Use small pots or cell trays with drainage holes.
   
2. 
   Medium: Use a light, well-draining seed starting mix.
   
3. 
   Sowing:
   Press seeds lightly onto the surface—do not cover or cover with a thin dusting of soil.
   
   Mist with water to moisten.
   
4. 
   Light & Temperature:
   Keep in bright light (a sunny window or grow light).
   
   Ideal temperature: 60–70°F (16–21°C).
   
5. 
   Watering: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy.
6. 
   Transplanting:
   When seedlings are 3–4 inches tall and after danger of frost has passed, harden them off by setting them outdoors for a few hours each day for a week.
   
   Transplant into full sun, spacing 6–12 inches apart.

🌼 Extra Tips

• 
  Tidy Tips are annuals, so they’ll complete their life cycle in one season—but will self-seed easily if conditions are right.
• 
  Great for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• 
  Combine with other spring annuals like California poppy and Baby Blue Eyes for a native wildflower display.