Globe Gilia Seeds for planting | Blue Sea

Globe gilia (Gilia capitata) is a charming North American wildflower known for its round, lavender-blue flower heads and strong appeal to pollinators. It’s easy to grow from seed and works well in wildflower gardens and naturalized areas.

About Globe Gilia

• Type: Annual or short-lived perennial (often grown as an annual)

• Height: 12–36 in (30–90 cm)

• Bloom time: Spring to early summer

• Native habitat: Meadows, grasslands, open slopes

• Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Growing Globe Gilia from Seed

1. When to Plant

Fall sowing (recommended)

• Sow seeds outdoors in fall

• Seeds naturally experience winter cold and sprout in spring

Spring sowing

• Cold stratify seeds for 2–4 weeks

• Plant outdoors once frost danger has passed

2. Cold Stratification (for spring planting)

1. Mix seeds with slightly damp sand or a paper towel

2. Seal in a plastic bag or container

3. Refrigerate for 2–4 weeks

4. Sow immediately after removal

3. Planting the Seeds

• Seeds require light to germinate

• Scatter seeds on soil surface and press gently

• Cover very lightly with soil or sand (no more than ⅛ inch / 3 mm)

• Space plants about 6–12 inches apart

4. Soil & Location

• Sun: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Well-drained; sandy or loamy soil preferred

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic

• Avoid heavy clay or overly fertile soil

Care After Germination

Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist during germination

• Once established, globe gilia is moderately drought tolerant

• Avoid soggy soil

Growth Habit

• Forms low foliage early, then sends up flowering stems

• Blooms appear as round “globes” at stem tips

Fertilizer

• Not usually required

• If soil is very poor, apply a light, balanced fertilizer once

Maintenance

• Minimal care needed

• Remove weeds while young

• Deadhead for tidiness or leave flowers to self-seed

Seed Saving & Reseeding

• Seed heads dry in early to mid-summer

• Collect when fully dry

• Store seeds in a cool, dry place

• Plants often reseed naturally

Common Problems

• Poor germination: Seeds buried too deeply or lack of cold exposure

• Weak growth: Too much shade

• Root issues: Poor drainage

Tips for Success

• Plant in drifts for best visual impact

• Excellent companion for other native spring wildflowers

• Ideal for pollinator and low-water gardens

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