Ironweed Seeds (Vernonia fasciculata) – Native Purple Wildflower

Looking for ironweed seeds (Vernonia fasciculata)? This native prairie wildflower produces upright stems topped with vivid purple clusters in mid to late summer. It thrives in full sun with medium to moist soils, settles well into meadows and rain-garden settings, and supports pollinators with abundant nectar.

Why Choose Ironweed?

• Native, hardy perennial with reliable late-season color
• Pollinator-friendly — attracts bees and butterflies
• Robust, upright habit typically 3–6 ft tall; suitable as a backdrop
• Moisture tolerant — does well in medium to moist soils and tolerates clay
• Adaptable light — full sun to light/partial shade

What’s in the Pack?

Fresh, clean ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) seed in a sealed packet — suitable for direct sowing or starting in trays for later transplant.

Planting Instructions

• Best Time to Sow: Late fall outdoors (dormant sowing), or spring after 30–60 days cold-moist stratification
• Soil: Medium to moist; tolerates clay; not fussy about pH
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Depth: Surface-sow or cover very lightly (~1/8 in.)
• Watering: Keep evenly moist through germination; moderate moisture thereafter
• Spacing & Size: Space 18–24 in.; mature height typically 3–6 ft
• Bloom Window: Mid–late summer (July–September)
• Growing Zone: USDA 4–9

FAQs

Does ironweed need cold stratification?

Yes. For spring sowings, provide 30–60 days of cold-moist stratification to break dormancy. Alternatively, sow outdoors in late fall and let winter conditions stratify the seed naturally.

How tall does Vernonia fasciculata get, and will it flop?

It’s typically 3–6 ft tall with sturdy, upright stems. In rich sites you can reduce height by cutting back plants by about one-third in early summer to keep them shorter and tidier.

Will ironweed spread aggressively?

It’s a clump-forming perennial that may self-seed modestly. Deadhead or trim after bloom if you wish to limit volunteers.

Is ironweed good for rain gardens or heavier soils?

Yes. It prefers medium to moist conditions and tolerates clay, so it’s a strong candidate for rain-garden edges, meadows, and similar settings.

Where to buy ironweed seeds for sale?

At Seeds World, we list fresh Vernonia fasciculata seeds from vetted sellers with fast U.S. shipping options. Compare pack sizes and growing details on the product page and choose what fits your project.