Both give excellent results when planted properly and maintained regularly. Seeds for planting are available from larger seed dealers. Seedlings are available from nurseries of the Alabama Forestry Commission or other plant nurseries and seed dealers who specialize in wildlife food plants. Plots planted from seed require three growing seasons before producing significant amounts of seed. Seedling plots produce seed 2 years after transplanting.
Seeds are less costly to cover a given area and can be planted more quickly than seedlings.
Transplanting Seedlings Bicolor seedlings must be transplanted during winter while the plants are dormant. December 1 to March 1 is the best period for transplanting bicolor in Alabama. No planting should be attempted after April 1. Freshly dug seedlings have higher survival and better production than seedlings stored over an extended period of time. Therefore, plant the seedlings as soon as they arrive from the nursery.