Fern-leaved beggar-ticks Bidens ferulifolia

Water

The Golden Fleece should be watered regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It's often enough to water this plant about once per week, but this frequency may need to increase during hot or dry periods. When watering, ensure that you provide sufficient water to moisten the soil thoroughly without waterlogging it. A general guideline is to use approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot every seven days, adjusting as necessary for the plant size and environmental conditions.

Light

Golden Fleece thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade will prevent scorching of the leaves. Avoid deep shade, as it may lead to sparse flowering and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

The Golden Fleece prefers warm conditions and can tolerate temperatures from about 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant, so take caution to protect it or bring it indoors if temperatures are expected to fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning the Golden Fleece is necessary to encourage fullness and more prolific blooming. Pinch back the tips of the stems periodically throughout the growing season. The best time for more extensive pruning is in early spring or late winter, just before new growth begins. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to stimulate new blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Apache Beggarticks thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment for healthy growth.

Repotting

Apache Beggarticks typically do not require frequent repotting. Assess the plant annually and repot every 2 to 3 years or when roots become pot-bound to promote continued health and vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Apache Beggarticks are adaptable to a variety of humidity levels but prefer moderate ambient humidity. Average room humidity should be sufficient, avoiding extremely dry or overly humid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Apache Beggarticks in bright, indirect light, and avoid overwatering for best results.

• Outdoor

  Grow Apache Beggarticks in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Apache beggarticks (Bidens ferulifolia) begins its life as a seed that requires well-drained soil and sunlight to germinate. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a taproot and a rosette of fern-like leaves while it establishes itself. As it matures into a vegetative stage, it forms a bushy plant that grows to about 30 cm in height, with extensive branching and further foliage development. Following the vegetative phase, the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in summer to early fall, producing small, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into barbed seed heads that easily cling to animals, aiding in dispersal. The lifecycle concludes when ripe seeds fall or are carried to a new location, where they can remain dormant until conditions are suitable for the next generation to begin.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Bidens ferulifolia, commonly known as Apache Beggarticks or Goldeneye, is through seed. Propagation time is generally in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, which provides optimal conditions for seed germination. To propagate by seed, scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix soil, as they require light for germination. Gently press down the seeds for contact but do not cover them with soil. Water the soil lightly and keep it consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days at a temperature of approximately 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they should be thinned out and can be transplanted to their final growing locations.