These US natives only need supplemental water while becoming established, for the first few months. Once the plant is established, avoid watering it unless drought is severe.
And there’s no need to fertilize Indian paintbrush. Choose a species that is native to your region, and it will find all the nutrients that it needs in the soil.
Species to Select
There are around 217 species of Castilleja. Let’s get to know just a few of these!
Coccinea
With red or pink blooms, scarlet Indian paintbrush (C. coccinea) is native to the central and eastern regions of the US and Canada and reaches up to 28 inches tall.
This species is adapted to dry, sandy soils, moist prairies, and meadows, so it is flexible as far as water goes. Grow this one in full sun.
You can pick up a pack of C. coccinea seeds from Everwilde Farms via Amazon.
Linariifolia
Known as Wyoming Indian paintbrush, C. linariifolia is native to the western US where it grows in open woods and shrubland.
With bright red flowers, this species can reach up to three feet tall.
Grow it in part shade, in well-draining rocky soil and moist to dry conditions.
Miniata
Native to the western US and Canada, C. miniata is commonly known as giant red Indian paintbrush and meadow paintbrush.
This species reaches up to three feet tall and is adapted to wet meadows and stream banks, so grow it in wet to moist, well-drained soils, in full sun.
C. miniata flowers are red, pink, or orange.
You can purchase C. miniata seeds in packets of 20 via Amazon.
Sessiliflora
Known by the common names downy painted cup or Great Plains Indian paintbrush, C. sessiliflora is a wildflower native to dry prairies and grassy plains in central North America.
With pink to yellow flowers, this species reaches up to 16 inches tall, and is adapted to dry conditions, rocky or sandy soils, and full sun.
Propagation
Since these wildflower seedlings are very difficult to transplant successfully, it’s best if you sow seeds directly in place outdoors.
Choose a plant companion that is already established, such as sagebrush, Indian ricegrass, Idaho fescue, phlox, or lupine.
This is a process not unlike pre-seeding a garden in fall for a spring harvest – the seeds require cold, moist stratification, so sow them in place in fall.