Planting Instructions for Lespedeza Seeds


Lespedeza Capitata Planting Guide

Quick Facts About Lespedeza Capitata

Lespedeza Capitata is also known as Round-headed Bush Clover. It is adaptable to different kinds of soil that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. It's also excellent as livestock forage, as it is both palatable and high in protein.

Planting Time

Plant directly outdoors in the late fall.

Planting Location

Plant in full sun to partial shade in loam, clay, sand, and rocky soil.

How to Plant Lespedeza

  • Sow seeds directly into the garden at a depth of 1/4 - 1/2 inch in the fall.
  • Presoak seeds overnight before planting 3 - 4 seeds per cell or plant.
  • Once seedlings sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light by placing them on a sunny windowsill or positioning them 3-4 inches below fluorescent plant lights that are switched on for 16 hours daily and off for 8 hours at night. Adjust the lights as the plants grow taller. Avoid using incandescent bulbs as they generate excessive heat. Remember, most plants need a period of darkness to thrive, so do not keep the lights on for 24 hours.
  • Transplant into garden when temperatures are consistently warm.
  • Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, it's essential to "harden them off". This involves acclimating young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered outdoor area for about a week. Initially, shield them from strong winds and direct sunlight. If there's a risk of frost overnight, either cover the plants or bring them indoors, then return them outside in the morning. This hardening off method helps strengthen the plant's cell structure, minimizing transplant shock and sun damage.
  • Space plants 12 - 24 inches apart in garden.

Care And Maintenance

  • Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
  • Mulches play a vital role in preserving soil moisture and ensuring consistent soil temperatures. When it comes to annuals, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves not only enhances the appearance of the bed but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential rot issues.
  • Water thoroughly every week, do not let the soil dry out completely. In the winter, water lightly every 2 weeks.
  • Prune by removing any diseased, dead, or damaged stems.
click me

Lespedeza

click me

Begonia - Mellow Yellow

click me

Delphinium - White

click me

Globe Thistle - White

2923