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Gayfeather Dense Blazing Star Seeds – Native Perennial with Purple Spikes for Pollinators & Cut Flowers

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$4.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Gayfeather Dense Blazing Star Seeds (Liatris spicata) grow into one of North America’s most distinctive and visually striking native perennials. Also known as prairie feather or blazing star, this plant produces tall, upright spikes of vivid purple, bottlebrush-style flowers that bloom from the top downward in mid to late summer, creating long-lasting color and dramatic vertical interest in the landscape.

Reaching 3–6 feet tall, Dense Blazing Star develops from underground corms that provide excellent drought tolerance once established. Native across much of North America, it thrives in USDA zones 3–9 and adapts well to loam, sandy, or clay soils. Its strong stems, deer resistance, and reliable perennial habit make it well suited for garden borders, prairie plantings, and naturalized landscapes.

Dramatic Native Perennial with Unique Bloom Pattern:

  • Tall purple flower spikes with top-down blooming habit
  • Blooms mid to late summer for extended seasonal interest
  • Creates bold vertical structure in beds and borders

Outstanding Pollinator Plant:

  • Attracts Monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies, and other butterflies
  • Supports native bees and specialized blazing star moths
  • Excellent choice for pollinator gardens and habitat restoration

Exceptional Cut Flower Performance:

  • Long-lasting blooms hold color and form fresh or dried
  • Ideal for cutting gardens and floral arrangements
  • Retains beauty well beyond the growing season

Why Gardeners Love Gayfeather Dense Blazing Star:

  • Native perennial with broad climate adaptability
  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Deer resistant and low maintenance
  • Performs well in formal gardens and natural prairie settings

How to Grow Gayfeather Dense Blazing Star:
Sow seeds following recommended cold stratification for best germination. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture during establishment. Once established, plants require minimal supplemental watering. Allow flower stalks to mature fully to support pollinators and natural reseeding if desired.

Heirloom Native Plant Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Liatris spicata
  • Seasonality
    Perennial
  • Planting Zones
    3-9
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-70 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    20-45 Days
  • Planting Depth
    Surface
  • Plant Size
    3-6 feet tall, 1-2 foot spread
  • Growing Instructions
    Direct sow fall to early spring. Cold stratify for 30 days by mixing with moist sand and refrigerating. Surface sow; seeds need light to germinate. Keep moist until sprouted, then thin to 12-18 inches.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Collect by shaking or rubbing heads. Store in a cool dry place.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    228 to 260

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Diagram showing the growth stages of a native perennial plant over three years.

Native Perennials Are Worth The Wait!

Native perennials may not bloom in their first year. When planted from seeds, perennials put almost all of their energy into establishing strong, healthy root systems in the first year of growth. In the second year, you should see larger plants and some blooms. After the third year, you will be able to enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms. Trust us! It will be worth the wait!

Cold Stratification Aids Germination

  • Yellow bowl with moist clean sand

    Step 1

    Lightly moisten some clean sand. Make sure it is not too wet.

  • Yellow bowl with moist sand and flower seeds

    Step 2

    Mix your seeds with the moist sand.

  • Moving moist sand with flower seeds to a labeled storage bag

    Step 3

    Store your sand in an airtight container like a zip-top bag. Make sure to label and date your container.

  • White refrigerator with a gold handle against a gray wall

    Step 4

    Refrigerate your sand and seeds for 2 to 4 weeks (or more, depending on the information on your seed packet)

Final Step

Sprinkle your sand with the seeds on the surface of prepared soil and gently press in. Most perennial seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil moist until germination occurs.

Support Native Habitats

  • Supports Local Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide array of native wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, which helps to maintain and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Requires Less Maintenance and Resources: Once established, native plants typically require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants. Their deep root systems improve soil health and water penetration, reducing runoff and erosion, and their natural resistance to local pests and diseases minimizes the need for chemical interventions, saving time, money, and environmental impact.
  • Contributes to Climate Resiliency and Conservation: By supporting a healthy native plant community, you are helping to create more resilient landscapes that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Growing native plants also plays a crucial role in conserving local plant genetics, preserving the natural heritage of a region, and providing critical habitat corridors for wildlife facing habitat loss.
  • Detailed Growing Information: Paper seed packets include clear planting instructions, germination tips, and seed-saving info, great for beginner or experienced gardeners growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native plants.
  • Trusted USA Seed Company: Family-owned business providing heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds; always fresh, untreated, rigorously tested, and expertly packed for long-term storage and gardening success across all experience levels

Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your seeds heirloom and open-pollinated?

Yes. All of our seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated varieties, which means they can produce seeds that grow true to type and are suitable for seed saving.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

Are your seeds non-GMO?

Yes. All Survival Garden Seeds are 100% non-GMO. Our seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties and are never genetically modified.

Are your seeds treated with chemicals?

No. Our seeds are completely untreated and free from chemical coatings, fungicides, or synthetic treatments.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a packed-for date, and we germination-test each seed lot before packaging to ensure high viability.

What is the shelf life of your seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.

In what USDA hardiness zones can I grow your seeds?

Our varieties are selected to grow successfully across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Each packet includes variety-specific planting guidance and germination tips.