100 Giant Red Indian Paintbrush Seeds – Castilleja miniata Native Wildflower for Meadow & Pollinator Gardens

Giant Red Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is a striking native wildflower known for its vivid scarlet to orange-red bracts that resemble a paintbrush dipped in color. This perennial adds brilliant, long-lasting color to meadows, wildflower gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its upright habit and tolerance of a range of conditions make it a favorite for naturalized plantings and native plant enthusiasts.

Perfect for meadow gardens, pollinator gardens, and native plant landscapes, Indian Paintbrush attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It pairs beautifully with other native grasses and wildflowers, creating a vibrant, low-maintenance display that returns year after year in suitable climates.

Plant Features

• Vibrant red to orange-red bracts that resemble a paintbrush
• Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
• Native wildflower ideal for meadows and naturalized areas
• Perennial in suitable climates, providing lasting garden interest
• Upright growth habit with stems reaching 1–3 feet tall

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Castilleja miniata
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial (often grown as annual in colder zones)
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils
• Water Requirements: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
• Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
• Mature Height: 1–3 feet
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended; surface sow, light needed for germination
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Indian Paintbrush seeds benefit from cold stratification. For best results, sow seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix and press gently; do not cover, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and irregular, so patience is key. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden after the last frost.

In the garden, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Once established, Indian Paintbrush is relatively drought-tolerant. It is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it may benefit from growing near host plants such as grasses or other wildflowers. Avoid overwatering and heavy mulching around the crown. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowering and prevent self-seeding if desired.

What's Included

100 Castilleja miniata (Giant Red Indian Paintbrush) seeds.