Stachys Lamb's Ear Seed

StachysLamb's Ear Seed

Velvety silver leaves invite touch and brighten borders
Drought-tolerant perennial forms dependable spreading clumps
Soft foliage contrasts beautifully with colorful flowers
Thrives in sunny lean, well-drained soil

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Stachys byzantina

Days to maturity

115 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

Zones 4–9 Check your growing zone

About Stachys, Lamb's Ear Seed, Lamb's Ear Seed

Lamb’s Ear is a beloved perennial grown from seed for its soft, silvery foliage and dependable performance in the landscape. Native to the Middle East and parts of the Mediterranean, it has been cultivated for centuries in cottage and herb gardens for both ornamental appeal and traditional uses. Plants form low, spreading rosettes of thick, velvety leaves that resemble a lamb’s ear, with small pink to purple flower spikes appearing in late spring to early summer.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/8"

Days to Germination

14–30 days

Germination Type

C30 - Cold Moist 30 Days

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 4-9

Plant Height

18 inches

Growth Habits

Mounding, Spreading

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

15,594

Color

Green, White

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Lamb's Ear grows best in a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. Plan to cold-moist stratify seed for about 30 days before sowing.

Planting

Sow lamb's ear outdoors in fall or start indoors according to its germination requirement; many perennial species benefit from a cool period before warmth. Maintain even moisture during germination and provide bright light after emergence. Harden indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant while young to minimize root disturbance, and thin direct sowings after sturdy true leaves develop.

Watering

Water lamb's ear regularly until established, then irrigate deeply only when the soil becomes dry. Avoid frequent shallow watering and saturated conditions, which encourage weak growth or root disease.

Fertilizer

Top-dress lamb's ear with compost or apply one balanced feeding in spring. Additional fertilizer is rarely needed unless growth is weak or a soil test identifies a deficiency.

Harvesting

Cut lamb's ear flowers when blooms are well colored and at the opening stage best suited to display. Harvest during the cool morning with clean shears, leaving healthy foliage for continued flowering.

Tips

Divide crowded lamb's ear clumps every few years to restore vigor. Deadhead for repeat bloom, or leave selected seed heads standing through winter to feed birds and provide structure.

Pests & Diseases

Lamb’s ear often rots where fuzzy leaves stay wet against the crown. Leaf spots, powdery mildew, and Rhizoctonia or Pythium root rot may follow. Thin or divide mats, remove rain-damaged foliage, and keep mulch away from crowns. Replace plants in better-drained soil after repeated center collapse.

Aphids and thrips may cluster on lamb's ear buds, while mites, Japanese beetles, slugs, and caterpillars feed elsewhere. Remove badly damaged growth, collect visible pests, and choose pollinator-conscious controls only when monitoring shows a need.