Edelweiss is a hardy perennial that’s somewhat tricky to grow unless provided with the ideal environmental conditions. Here is a quick overview of how to grow edelweiss:
From Seeds
- Cold stratify the seeds. Germination is more likely to happen for these temperamental seeds if you stratify them before planting. To do so, fill a plastic bag with soil and plant your seeds inside. Refrigerate the bag for three weeks before you plan to plant your seeds.
- Choose a planting site. Edelweiss flowers prefer full sun but can grow in partial shade. Select a spot in your yard or garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
- Prepare the soil. Edelweiss enjoys gritty, rocky, well-draining soil. They grow well in rock gardens or soil with added pebbles, lime, and sand. Your soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Sow the seeds. You can sow edelweiss seeds directly into the soil outside by simply sprinkling them on the top layer.
- Gently water the seeds. The best way to water the seeds is to mist them into the soil. Avoid using the spray from a garden hose, as it can wash away the seeds. Keep the soil and seeds consistently moist for up to six weeks while they germinate. Once they do, you can move them to a spot with more sunlight.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through division. This is best to do every few years, as edelweiss has a short life span. Division will keep edelweiss growing for years to come. To divide edelweiss, you will need a small shovel, a sharp pair of garden snips, and gloves:
- In the spring, gently dig around the edelweiss to loosen its fibrous root system.
- Once the roots can be lifted from the ground, remove the plant.
- Using the shovel and the snips, cut through the root system to divide the plant. Be sure each division has healthy roots and healthy foliage.
- Plant each division in a sunny area with well-draining soil.