Liatris spp These species are native to the Great Plains of North America, but are widely adapted (zones 3-9) and utilized in the florist trade worldwide. Liatris spicata is the most widely grown, but L. aspera, pycnostachya, and scariosa also have their uses. Plants flower in the second year from seed, and produce perennial corms that can be divided for further propagation. For maximum yield, seedlings and corms should be spaced on 3x3 centers (according to Armitage), and it is important that corms be carefully placed with the bud pointing straight up. Seeds can be started at warm temps (75F), but corms require a minimum of 3 weeks between 28-32F to induce flowering. Longer cold periods (up to 15 weeks) result in much faster flowering after planting out. Seeds Per Gram: 300
