Twizzle Scarlet Penstemon Seeds
First-year Flowering!
Winner of Europe's highest seed honor, the Fleuroselect Gold Medal!
- Genus: Penstemon
- Species: barbatus
- Variety: 'Twizzle Scarlet'
- Item Form: (P) Pkt of 25 seeds
- Zone: 4 - 9
- Bloom Start to End: Mid Summer - Early Fall
- Habit: Upright
- Seeds Per Pack: 25
- Plant Height: 2 ft 4 in - 2 ft 8 in
- Plant Width: 16 in
- Bloom Size: 2 in
- Additional Characteristics: Flower, Award Winner, Bloom First Year, Butterfly Lovers, Easy Care Plants, Evergreen, Free Bloomer, Hummingbird Lovers, Long Bloomers
- Bloom Color: Light Purple, Red
- Foliage Color: Medium Green, Silver/Gray
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
- Moisture Requirements: Dry, Moist, well-drained
- Resistance: Cold Hardy, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
- Soil Tolerance: Normal, loamy, Poor
- Uses: Beds, Border, Containers, Cut Flowers, Outdoor
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Recipient of Europe's highest seed award, Twizzle is a breeding breakthrough extraordinaire! If you try only one new flower from seed this year . . . we know, it's a cliche, but in this case it's true! Please give Twizzle a go! Here's why:
First, this Beard-lip (the species is P. barbatus) flowers the first year from seed. This in itself would be enough reason to put Twizzle at the top of your list: no more waiting around a whole vernalization period for blooms! The little scarlet flowers are crammed so tightly along lengthy stems, the bees and butterflies can't even empty out all the nectar!
Second, it has a new habit: half the foliage of older varieties and twice the length of flowering stem! This means you get longer, more elegant wands for the vase without sacrificing an inch of plant size! And still, it's compact enough to put in containers.
Third, it's open pollinated. This means the plant will come true from seed. Let it self-sow in your garden or collect the seeds in fall and plant them wherever you want an injection of summer-long color!
Fourth, it's versatile. Sow seeds in fall for earlier spring blooms, or start indoors in late winter for first-year summer blooms. Twizzle doesn't mind!
Quite drought-tolerant once established in the garden, Twizzle sets masses of 1- to 1½-inch tubular blooms that serve as sirens to every pollinator in the neighborhood. It loves dry soil and doesn't mind poor fertility, heat, or other stresses. Twizzle is a fine choice for containers as well as the sunny border. Zones 4-9.
Penstemon Germination Information
How to Sow Penstemon: - Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 55 and 75°
- Expect germination in 10-15 days for P. hartwegii; 30 days for P. barbatus and P. strictus
- Seeds can also be sown outdoors in late fall or early spring
- If sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Penstemon:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun
Temperature Bee Balm is tolerant of humidity and insect pests
Soil: Use acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 to 8.0), light, rich, perfectly drained soil
Additional Care: Very drought tolerant, in fact, success is assured if plants are kept dry once established
Appearance and Use:
Grown as bedding plants and as denizens of borders and rock gardens. Flowers cut well for fresh use. Penstemon barbatus is an upright grower to 6 feet tall with 1 inch long, red tinged pink, tubular flowers. It is a perennial native to the western United States and Mexico. Hardy from Zones 4 to 9. Penstemon hartwegii is an upright grower 2-3 feet tall with scarlet, drooping, tubular flowers. Native to Mexico, it is grown as an annual, but is perennial in Zones 9 to 11. Penstemon strictus, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, is an upright grower to 3 feet tall with dark-blue to violet flowers. It is a perennial native to the western United States and is hardy from Zones 3 to 8
About Penstemon:
Pronunciation: pen’ste-mon
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Scrophulariaceae; native to North and Central America
Common Name: Bearded Tongue
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.
Recipient of Europe's highest seed award, Twizzle is a breeding breakthrough extraordinaire! If you try only one new flower from seed this year . . . we know, it's a cliche, but in this case it's true! Please give Twizzle a go! Here's why:
First, this Beard-lip (the species is P. barbatus) flowers the first year from seed. This in itself would be enough reason to put Twizzle at the top of your list: no more waiting around a whole vernalization period for blooms! The little scarlet flowers are crammed so tightly along lengthy stems, the bees and butterflies can't even empty out all the nectar!
Second, it has a new habit: half the foliage of older varieties and twice the length of flowering stem! This means you get longer, more elegant wands for the vase without sacrificing an inch of plant size! And still, it's compact enough to put in containers.
Third, it's open pollinated. This means the plant will come true from seed. Let it self-sow in your garden or collect the seeds in fall and plant them wherever you want an injection of summer-long color!
Fourth, it's versatile. Sow seeds in fall for earlier spring blooms, or start indoors in late winter for first-year summer blooms. Twizzle doesn't mind!
Quite drought-tolerant once established in the garden, Twizzle sets masses of 1- to 1½-inch tubular blooms that serve as sirens to every pollinator in the neighborhood. It loves dry soil and doesn't mind poor fertility, heat, or other stresses. Twizzle is a fine choice for containers as well as the sunny border. Zones 4-9.
Penstemon Germination Information
How to Sow Penstemon: - Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 55 and 75°
- Expect germination in 10-15 days for P. hartwegii; 30 days for P. barbatus and P. strictus
- Seeds can also be sown outdoors in late fall or early spring
- If sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Penstemon:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun
Temperature Bee Balm is tolerant of humidity and insect pests
Soil: Use acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 to 8.0), light, rich, perfectly drained soil
Additional Care: Very drought tolerant, in fact, success is assured if plants are kept dry once established
Appearance and Use:
Grown as bedding plants and as denizens of borders and rock gardens. Flowers cut well for fresh use. Penstemon barbatus is an upright grower to 6 feet tall with 1 inch long, red tinged pink, tubular flowers. It is a perennial native to the western United States and Mexico. Hardy from Zones 4 to 9. Penstemon hartwegii is an upright grower 2-3 feet tall with scarlet, drooping, tubular flowers. Native to Mexico, it is grown as an annual, but is perennial in Zones 9 to 11. Penstemon strictus, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, is an upright grower to 3 feet tall with dark-blue to violet flowers. It is a perennial native to the western United States and is hardy from Zones 3 to 8
About Penstemon:
Pronunciation: pen’ste-mon
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Scrophulariaceae; native to North and Central America
Common Name: Bearded Tongue
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.