Guide to growing Golden Rod - Solidago

Plants that make up the Solidago genus are hardy perennials that range in height from 60cm to 2.4M.

Solidago bloom in summer through to early august and carry spikes of minute yellow flowers. One of the common names for Solidago is Golden Rod.

How to grow Golden Rod (Solidago)

When growing Solidago species such as Golden Rod outdoors from seed then they can be sown either before the last frost of spring or towards the end of autumn. Once sown lightly cover the golden rod seeds. Solidago can be grown in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden that have good drainage. Ideally the soil that Golden Rod grows in will be acidic to neutral (pH5 to 7) and moist.

If starting off golden rod (Solidago) indoors then do so about 7 weeks in advance. The Solidago seeds will take about two to eight weeks to germinate at a temperature of 10 degrees centigrade. The plants should be put outdoors in either late autumn or just before the last frost of spring. Solidago should be spaced at 30cm (small Solidago varieties) or 60cm to 1M (larger species).

Caring for Golden Rod

It is fairly easy to care for golden rod and other Solidago species. They are tall plants so provide a stake; water frequently to keep soil moist; deadhead flowers before they have a chance to set seed; cut back to the ground in autumn; divide the plants every three years or so to maintain vigorous growth. If you require more Solidago plants and do not want to grow from seed then they can be propagated by division in the spring.