Growing Palmer's Penstemon Garden Seeds

Palmer's penstemon is easy to grow from seed and may be sown directly outside after final frost or, for early spring blooming, start indoors 8-10 weeks prior. Once germination occurs in 10-21 days with full lighting, then transplant to a sunny spot in the garden or keep as a potted and fragrant grow indoors near a window with full sun. For direct sowing outdoors, plant Palmer's penstemon seeds 1/8" deep and 24-36" apart in average, medium moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Unlike its Plantaginaceae cousin, the snapdragon, Palmer's penstemon is native to the high deserts of the American west and prefers hot and arid conditions. Trim plants to provide proper air circulation and avoid overwatering as penstemon does not perform well in soggy and poorly drained soils. Penstemon has no serious pests or diseases, but monitor regularly for aphids. Palmer's penstemon seeds mature in 120 days as 36-48" tall shrubby uprights with a 12-36" spread and hardy stalks of "snapdragon-like" blooms.

Penstemon palmeri is native to the arid high regions of the American west including deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Palmer's penstemon is sometimes loosely referred to as snapdragon since it is a member of the Plantaginaceae family or, better known as, the snapdragon family. The genus palmeri pays homage to the 19th Century pioneering British botanist and archaeologist, Edward Palmer.