Germinating Seeds of the Indian Paintbrush

Sow Indian paintbrush seeds in the fall. The seeds require the damp, cool conditions of winter to stimulate germination the following spring.

Select a sunny spot with a soil pH of 6.8 or lower. Indian paintbrush grows well in sandy, loamy or clay-like soil conditions. Clear the area of weeds and lawn grass and then rake the soil smooth.

Scatter the seeds over the area aiming to have the seeds about 1 inch apart. Rake 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of soil over the seeds to protect them from drying out and from seed-eating predators.

Water the area after sowing the seeds with a sprinkler until the soil is damp 1 inch deep. Check the soil during hot dry weather by pressing your fingers against the soil and water when it feels dry.

Look for new growth in spring. Indian paintbrush flowers in spring. The seeds develop in late summer and ripen in the fall before naturally scattering.