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Ohio Spiderwort Seeds – Native Perennial Wildflower for Pollinators, Edible Gardens & Naturalized Landscapes

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

Ohio Spiderwort Seeds from Survival Garden Seeds bring gentle beauty and ecological value to native gardens and naturalized landscapes. This hardy perennial produces clusters of delicate blue to lavender, three-petaled flowers that open fresh each morning and close as midday heat arrives, creating a unique and ever-changing display from late spring through midsummer.

Growing 2–3 feet tall, Ohio Spiderwort forms attractive clumps of arching, grass-like foliage topped with repeated flushes of blooms. Each flower lasts only a day, but plants continuously produce new blossoms over several weeks, ensuring long-lasting color and pollinator activity.

Ohio Spiderwort is especially valuable for native bee conservation, serving as an important nectar source for bumblebees while also attracting butterflies, beetles, flies, and skipper butterflies. Adapted to a wide range of conditions, it thrives in sandy, loam, or clay soils and performs well in both full sun and partial shade across zones 3–9.

Beyond its ornamental and ecological benefits, spiderwort has a long history of practical use. Young shoots, leaves, and flowers are edible raw or cooked, with a mild flavor often compared to asparagus or green beans. The plant is also known for its unique sensitivity to radiation, with stamen hairs that shift color under exposure, making it a notable species in environmental studies.

Morning-Blooming Beauty for Native Gardens:

  • Blue to lavender flowers that open in cool morning hours
  • Continuous blooms from late spring through midsummer
  • Graceful 2–3 foot clumps of grass-like foliage
  • Ideal for prairie gardens, woodland edges, and pollinator habitats

Why Customers Love Ohio Spiderwort:

  • Native perennial wildflower adapted to North American climates
  • Highly beneficial for bumblebees and other pollinators
  • Edible leaves, shoots, and flowers
  • Adaptable to sun or partial shade and varied soil types
  • Deer resistant and low maintenance once established
  • Self-seeds gently to form expanding naturalized colonies

How to Use / How to Grow:
Sow Ohio Spiderwort seeds on the soil surface or lightly cover, as light supports germination. Plant in full sun to partial shade and keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Once mature, plants tolerate a wide range of conditions and require little care. Allow some flowers to go to seed to encourage natural spreading and long-term colony development. Cutting plants back after flowering can encourage fresh foliage growth.

Heirloom Native Plant Seeds

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

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Tradescantia ohiensis
  • Seasonality
    Perennial
  • Planting Zones
    4-9
  • Light
    Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    65-75 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    7-21 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/4 Inch
  • Plant Size
    2-3 Feet tall, 12-18 inch spread
  • Growing Instructions
    Direct sow late fall to early spring. Cold stratify for 30 days by mixing with moist sand and refrigerating. Keep moist until sprouted, then thin to 12-18 inches.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Self-sterile; grow multiple plants to cross-pollinate. Collect seed capsules when they turn brown, but before they burst and drop seeds. Store in a cool, dry place for 3-5 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    127 to 150

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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.