How to Grow Goldenrod
If you drive the highways of the United States, chances are good that you’ve seen goldenrod. The clusters of showy, yellow blooms atop fuzzy, green foliage grow wild in meadows and along roadsides and are hard to miss as you pass by. Goldenrod isn’t a fussy plant, and once it’s established, it can grow nearly anywhere. In the home garden, goldenrod is often seen in naturalized rock gardens, wildflower gardens or herb gardens. Goldenrod is a popular herbal remedy used to treat a number of health conditions, including colds and flu, digestive problems and fatigue.
Decide where you want to plant the goldenrod seeds. Although goldenrod will grow nearly anywhere, it prefers sun and well-drained soil.
- If you drive the highways of the United States, chances are good that you’ve seen goldenrod.
Work some organic material such as mulch, leaves or compost into the soil. Plant the goldenrod seeds and cover them with a very thin layer of soil. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to about one plant every 12 inches. Water the goldenrod lightly but frequently until the plants are established.
Mature goldenrod plants will be tall, so plant the seeds in an area that is sheltered from the wind if possible. Otherwise, they may need stakes to keep them upright.
Clip the blooms before they have a chance to go to seed, otherwise you may have more goldenrod than you bargained for. Divide the goldenrod every few years to keep them healthy and to prevent overcrowding.
- Work some organic material such as mulch, leaves or compost into the soil.
- Plant the goldenrod seeds and cover them with a very thin layer of soil.
Kill Goldenrod
Moisten the soil with 1 inch of water and hand pull goldenrod to remove and kill it. Discard debris in the trash. You can also use a spade or hoe to dig and remove goldenrod from the soil. Wait six to eight months for your goldenrod to die before removing the cardboard. Dicamba, for example, is a broadleaf herbicide that kills goldenrod effectively, according to Purdue University. If goldenrod is located in the garden, spray a non-selective herbicide carefully so it does not reach other plants. Use it on a calm day at least 48 hours before an expected rain. Reapply in two weeks if plants start to grow again.
- Moisten the soil with 1 inch of water and hand pull goldenrod to remove and kill it.
Tip
There are many types of goldenrod. If you want a smaller, more compact plant that won't be as invasive, look for a dwarf variety such as Golden Fleece, Crown of Rays or Goldenmosa.
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References
Tips
- There are many types of goldenrod. If you want a smaller, more compact plant that won't be as invasive, look for a dwarf variety such as Golden Fleece, Crown of Rays or Goldenmosa.
Writer Bio
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.
