The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Silphium perfoliatum, or cup plant, is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
cup plant
Silphium perfoliatum
Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is an outstanding native plant, well-suited to many landscapes. It grows up to five feet tall and has bold, lance-shaped leaves forming a deep cup filling with rainwater. Ray-shaped yellow flowers appear in midsummer atop the stalks. This plant is very easy to grow and tolerant of most soils, preferring full sun and can tolerate drought conditions. It is a popular choice for pollinators and is renowned for supporting several moth species, native bees, and butterflies. Cup Plant also works well for stormwater management, water conservation, and wildlife habitat. Its natural beauty and hardiness make it worth considering for any garden.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun Partial sun
Soil:
Loamy
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cup Plant needs to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and growing conditions. Each time you water, water deeply until water runs off the surface of the soil. Make sure the soil never gets too dry, but don't over-water as this can cause root rot. Check the soil 2-3 inches deep before watering to make sure it is dry. Water in the morning and not at night to discourage fungal diseases. During the warmer months, you may need to water more frequently.
sunlight
Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) needs a lot of sunlight throughout the year. Sunlight promotes strong stems, healthy foliage, and profuse flowering throughout the growing season. The plant should receive 3 to 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day for optimum growth and flowering. During the spring and summer months, this plant should be exposed to full sun - at least 6 hours per day. During the cooler months, some protection from the midday sun may be beneficial.
pruning
Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) should be pruned once a year in early spring, before new growth begins. To encourage bushiness and increase the number of flowers, the plant should be lightly pruned back. Cut back any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and remove any branch stubs that remain. Any branches growing outward at an angle should also be removed. Avoid heavy pruning, as this will limit the flower production of the plant. Cup Plant will respond well to being cut back to about half its size, so don’t be discouraged if the plant looks bare after pruning.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Cup plant typically starts flowering in July.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Silphium perfoliatum, or cup plant, is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
