Senna is a long-lived, yellow flowering perennial. It is native to the eastern third of the United States, and a unique specimen for the plant border.

Plant indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Or, start directly outdoors in the late fall.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in damp, fertile soil.

• You have two options for planting seeds: Sow them directly into the garden at a depth of 1/8 inch in the fall. Alternatively, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
• Provide cold, moist stratification prior to planting indoors. To do this, mix seed with slightly moist growing mix. Place in a ziplock bag and put in the refrigerator for one day. The next day put it in the freezer for one day. Alternate between the fridge and the freezer for a week. Then plant seeds indoors in pots.
• Plant 3 - 4 seeds per plant, or 1 oz per 1,000 square feet.
• 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 36 inches apart in garden.

• 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 once a week by providing about 1 inch of water at the root base, not from overhead. During dry spells or drought more water is needed, water every 3 - 4 days. Do not overwater, even during dry spells, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
• Prune dead or damaged stems in the late winter to early spring. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the foliage at a time so that the plant will not be stressed.