Difficulty Ratings Explained

Our difficulty classifications are designed to help you choose plants that match your experience level and growing conditions. They are based on our production experience growing native plants outdoors in southern Alberta, along with observed germination patterns, early growth, and ease of establishment.

 

Germination Difficulty

These categories describe how reliably and easily a species can be started from seed. A species may show some or all of the characteristics listed below.
 

🟢 Beginner: Straightforward seed starting

    • Germinates reliably when basic instructions are followed
    • Little or no stratification required, or very forgiving timing
    • Germination occurs within a predictable window
    • Suitable for standard indoor or outdoor sowing methods
    • A good choice for first-time seed starters

 

🟡 Intermediate: Requires attention to timing and conditions

    • May require specific warm and/or cold stratification periods
    • Germination can be slow, staggered, or uneven
    • Timing (season, temperature, light) plays an important role
    • Results improve with experience and careful observation
    • Patience is often required

 

🔴 Experienced: Complex or unpredictable germination

    • May involve narrow or multi-stage dormancy requirements
    • Germination may take multiple seasons
    • Sensitive to moisture, temperature, or sowing depth
    • Germination may be low or inconsistent even with care
    • Best suited to growers comfortable experimenting and adapting methods

 

Growing / Establishment Difficulty

These categories describe how easily a plant establishes and performs after germination. A species may show some or all of the characteristics listed below.
 

🟢 Beginner: Easy to grow once established

    • Transplants or seedlings establish readily
    • Tolerates average garden conditions
    • Forgiving of minor watering or soil variation
    • Competes well once rooted
    • Low ongoing maintenance

 

🟡 Intermediate: Benefits from thoughtful placement and care

    • Establishment period is more sensitive
    • Requires appropriate site selection (soil, light, moisture)
    • May struggle with competition from weeds or grasses
    • Performs best with attentive early care
    • Long-term success improves with experience

 

🔴 Experienced: Slow, sensitive, or highly specific establishment

    • Establishment may be slow or unpredictable
    • Sensitive to disturbance, competition, or moisture extremes
    • May go dormant early or take years to reach maturity
    • Best suited to naturalized or carefully managed sites
    • Rewards patience and long-term observation