GREENTHREAD SEEDS

Thelesperma filifolium

Also known as Navajo Tea, this beloved species is also suitable for dye and attracting butterflies. It is cold hardy to at least -20°F but requires very well-drained soil to overwinter. Sprawling plants grow to around 2' in all directions when in flower.

Tea is prepared by collecting the thread-like leaves anytime before flower buds open, leaving a few inches of growth to regenerate. Dry leaves completely and bundle them or carefully break them into small pieces before storing in an airtight container. Makes a delicious, uniquely flavored tea.

The entire flowering plant is suitable for use as a yellow or orange dye. The dried flowers alone will give slightly different and possibly more desirable results than the whole fresh plant. One plant may provide enough growth for both tea and dye in a single season.

Seeds germinate best with some cold. Sow outdoors in very early spring, or press seed into flats of moist soil, just barely covering with additional soil or fine vermiculite. Mist generously. Kept moist at around 60°-70°F in bright light seeds should begin to germinate within a week or two. Be patient, as germination can be erratic. Harden off before transplanting into well-drained soils in full sun. Handle with care as this plant will resent root disturbance. Water just until established. Seedlings appear very much like grass, so take care when weeding. This plant requires full sun and thrives in hot, dry conditions once established. Hardy in zone 5, but requires very well-drained soil to overwinter.

Packet contains around 300 seeds.

Please read this article on NPR about traditional preparation of Greenthread.