Standing Cypress Seeds for planting | 200 seeds

Standing cypress (Ipomopsis rubra, sometimes sold as Ipomopsis or Gilia) is a striking North American wildflower with tall red flower spikes that attract hummingbirds. It’s easy to grow from seed if you follow its natural life cycle.

About Standing Cypress

• Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial (often grown as a biennial)

• Height: 3–6 ft (90–180 cm)

• Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (second year)

• Native habitat: Prairies, open woods, roadsides

• Pollinators: Hummingbirds, bees

Growing Standing Cypress from Seed

1. When to Plant

You have two good options:

Fall sowing (best & easiest)

• Sow seeds outdoors in fall

• Natural winter cold helps break dormancy (cold stratification)

• Seeds germinate in early spring

Spring sowing

• Cold stratify seeds in the refrigerator for 4–6 weeks

• Plant outdoors after danger of hard frost

2. Cold Stratification (for spring planting)

1. Mix seeds with slightly damp sand or paper towel

2. Place in a sealed bag or container

3. Refrigerate for 4–6 weeks (not the freezer)

4. Sow immediately after removing from cold

3. Planting the Seeds

• Light requirement: Seeds need light to germinate

• Press seeds onto the soil surface; do not bury deeply

• Cover very lightly with soil or sand (⅛ inch / 3 mm at most)

• Space seeds about 6–12 inches apart

4. Soil & Location

• Sun: Full sun (best flowering) to light shade

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

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic

• Avoid rich, heavily fertilized soils

Care After Germination

Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist until seedlings establish

• Once established, standing cypress is drought tolerant

• Overwatering can cause rot

First Year Growth

• Year 1: Low basal rosette of fern-like leaves

• Year 2: Tall flowering stalk emerges and blooms

⚠️ Don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t flower the first year—that’s normal.

Fertilizer

• Usually not needed

• If soil is very poor, use a light, balanced fertilizer once in spring

Maintenance

• No staking usually needed, but windy areas may benefit

• Remove competing weeds while young

• Leave some flower stalks to go to seed for self-sowing

Seed Saving & Reseeding

• Seed pods mature in late summer

• Allow pods to dry on the plant

• Collect and store in a cool, dry place

• Plants often reseed naturally if seed heads are left in place

Common Problems

• Poor germination: Usually due to lack of cold stratification or seeds buried too deeply

• Flopping: Too much shade or overly rich soil

• Root rot: Soil too wet or poorly drained

Tips for Success

• Mimic natural conditions: sun, lean soil, winter cold

• Plant in groups for a dramatic display

• Great for wildflower gardens, native plantings, and pollinator habitats

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