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Planting perennial seeds in November might feel like you’re running a little late in the season, but it’s actually one of the smartest moves a gardener can make. The cooler temperatures provide the seeds with the cold stratification they need to germinate successfully, creating a foundation that supports bigger, stronger blooms in spring and summer. Gardeners also get the bonus of lighter winter prep for November-planted flowers, so they can concentrate on their fall garden to-do list. Most fall-planted perennial seeds only need a little supplemental water and some patience until spring returns. If you’re looking for a standout option to take full advantage of fall planting, there’s a hardy, prairie-born favorite that thrives when planted in November: the Mexican Hat plant (Ratibida columnifera). This resilient, charming perennial is hardy in zones 4 through 9, and rewards fall effort with unforgettable summer color. Plus, it’s a favorite of bees and butterflies to boot.
Once the Mexican hat plant has become established in your garden, it’s remarkably easygoing through winter, which is its dormant period, requiring less water and little else in the way of care. The low-maintenance needs of the Mexican hat plant are part of what makes it such a smart November choice and secures its place on a list of other colorful wildflowers you can grow in your garden for tons of variety. If you let these unique-looking flowers go to seed in the following fall and winter, you will provide birds with a much-needed food source through the months when food is more scarce. The Mexican hat plant is ideal for borders and wildflower meadows, and looks best when planted in groups because it can look a little sparse when planted singly or in very small clusters.
Planting Mexican hat plant in November for best growing results
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If you want to grow and care for Mexican hat flowers for an eye-catching garden, it starts with planting the right way and at the right time. For the best growing results, sow the seeds in November after the first hard frost. Choose a sunny spot where the plant can get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. While it can handle bouts of shade, the blooming season will be much better and longer with plenty of sun. The Mexican hat plant tolerates a variety of soil types and can thrive in poor, sandy, or rocky ground where other perennials might struggle. Where it won’t thrive is in heavy clay soils or soil that has a large amount of moisture. Although Mexican hat plants don’t need rich, fertile soils overall, when first planting them, you can add some compost and mix it into the existing soil. This only needs to be done if the soil is poor.
To plant, scatter the seeds lightly on the soil surface and barely cover them with a little bit of soil. They need light to germinate, so avoid burying them with too much soil. Better yet, just gently press the seeds into the soil and don’t cover them at all. Since you are planting in November, nature will handle the cold stratification they need. Water the area you have planted lightly and keep the ground relatively moist until the seeds start to germinate in spring. Because it is wintertime, make sure to water in the mornings so the water has plenty of time to evaporate off before the temperatures drop at night.
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