Partridge Pea Flower Seeds. .045oz Approx 100 Seeds.
Sensitive Partridge Pea, also known as Chamaecrista fasciculata, is an annual wildflower that produces bright yellow flowers and is attractive to pollinators. It can be grown from seeds that require a period of cold stratification for optimal germination and is often used in gardens for its ecological benefits, such as fixing nitrogen in the soil. These sunny yellow blooms show off all summer long. This annual plant likes sandy soil, and the seeds are attractive to partridges, bobwhite, and quail.
Common Names: Sleeping Plant, Beach Sensitive Pea
Latin Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Annual but reseeds itself, acts like perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 2,900
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 1 Week
Germination Ease: Stratify 1 Week
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Plant Height: 6 - 24 Inches
Plant Spacing: 15 - 18"
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Ecological Benefits
Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, serving as a larval host for species like the Little Yellow and Sleepy Orange butterflies.
Soil Health: As a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
Sowing: To achieve the best germination rates, pour very hot water over the partridge pea seeds and let them soak overnight. After that, mix the seeds with moist sand and keep them in the refrigerator for 10-20 days before planting. In early spring, plant the treated Chamaecrista Fasciculata seeds at a depth of 1/2". If you’re planting in the fall, just the hot water treatment is necessary before sowing them directly at 1/2" deep.
Growing: This plant thrives in sandy or well-drained soil. It’s quite drought-resistant, so you usually won’t need to water it. Taller plants might droop a bit, especially in rich soil. This plant is a fantastic addition to native prairie gardens or home landscapes due to its lovely foliage and vibrant flowers, and it’s also useful for erosion control. Even though it’s an annual, it will reseed itself generously. Many wild birds love this plant for its seeds, which are a key food source for bobwhite, quail, and partridges. Butterflies and bees are also drawn to it.
Harvesting: This delicate plant tends to close up and wilt quickly when cut, making it a poor choice for cut flowers.
Seed Saving: The plant produces dark brown pods that are 2-3" long, which split open to release their seeds when they’re ripe. It’s important to harvest them promptly to prevent loss. Once the pods change color or contain mature dark brown seeds, pick them and lay them out to dry. You can crush or split the pods to get the Chamaecrista Fasciculata seeds. Store the partridge pea seeds in a cool, dry location.
