Transform your garden with the enchanting beauty and delightful fragrance of Wintergreen Flower Seeds (Gaultheria procumbens). Also known as Eastern Teaberry or Checkerberry, Wintergreen is a charming evergreen groundcover that produces small, bell-shaped white or pale pink flowers, followed by bright red berries that persist through the winter. This low-growing plant is ideal for shady areas, rock gardens, and woodland settings, adding year-round interest with its glossy green leaves that often turn reddish in winter. Perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance and attractive plant, our Wintergreen Flower Seeds offer both visual appeal and practical benefits.

Key Features:

• Delightful Flowers: Produces small, urn-shaped white or pale pink flowers in late spring to early summer.
• Bright Red Berries: Following the flowers, vibrant red berries add a pop of color and provide winter interest.
• Evergreen Foliage: Glossy green leaves remain attractive year-round, turning a lovely reddish hue in winter.
• Fragrant Leaves and Berries: Leaves and berries have a pleasant wintergreen scent when crushed.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.

Planting Instructions:

1. Seed Preparation: Cold stratify seeds to enhance germination. Mix seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and store them in the refrigerator for 60-90 days.

2. Timing: Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, after the stratification period, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

3. Soil Preparation: Choose a location with well-draining, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Wintergreen thrives in humus-rich soil with good moisture retention.

4. Sowing Depth: Scatter seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Do not cover with soil, as seeds need light to germinate.

Growing Conditions:

1. Light: Prefers partial to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas.
2. Temperature: Wintergreen is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters and moderate summers.
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during the first year of growth. Established plants are relatively drought-tolerant but prefer regular watering.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize with an acidic plant fertilizer or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Pests: Generally resistant to most pests. Monitor for occasional issues with aphids or scale, and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
• Diseases: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Proper spacing and planting in well-draining soil can help reduce disease risk.