How to Grow Draba mollissima
iNaturalist
Draba mollissima
Draba mollissima
flowerDraba mollissima is a delicate alpine perennial in the Brassicaceae family, known for its soft, hairy foliage and cheerful yellow flower clusters. This tiny cushion-forming plant is native to high-altitude regions and is prized by alpine gardeners and rock garden enthusiasts for its compact growth habit and early spring blooms.
When should you plant Draba mollissima in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Draba mollissima timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Draba mollissima
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Draba mollissima blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Draba mollissima dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in cooler alpine and subalpine regions
Sign up free to see if Draba mollissima grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Draba mollissima timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Stratification
4-8 weeksDormant seed requires cold, moist conditions to break dormancy before germination can occur.
Provide 4-6 weeks of cold stratification at 35-40°F; can soak seeds briefly before chilling. Some seeds may germinate immediately while others may need two winters.
Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny rosettes emerge with soft, hairy cotyledons and first true leaves forming a compact basal cushion.
Maintain cool temperatures and excellent drainage; reduce watering significantly to prevent damping off. Keep soil barely moist, not wet.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsDense cushion of soft, hairy foliage develops, remaining compact and low to the ground; plant builds root system.
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and very good drainage. Resist overwatering. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Minimal fertilization needed.
Flowering
4-6 weeksDelicate bright yellow flower clusters (racemes) appear on short stems rising just above the compact foliage, typically in early spring.
Do not fertilize during flowering as it promotes leggy growth. Maintain dry conditions. Protect from excessive winter wet. Enjoy the 4-6 week bloom period.
Seed Set and Dormancy
6-8 weeksAfter flowering, small silicle seed pods develop and mature. Plant enters semi-dormancy through summer heat.
Allow seeds to mature and self-sow if desired. Reduce watering during hot months. Plant may look shabby; this is normal. Provide shade in hot climates to prevent stress.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; reflective mulches
-
and
Remove by hand; copper tape barriers; slug bait; avoid overwatering which attracts them
-
Improve drainage drastically; reduce watering; may require replanting in fresh gritty soil; ensure pot has drainage holes
Uses
Early Pollinator Support
WildlifeDraba mollissima blooms early in spring when few other flowers are available, providing vital nectar and pollen for emerging bees and other early pollinators. This makes it an essential component of pollinator-friendly alpine and rock gardens. [source]
Rock Garden and Alpine Collections
CraftIts compact cushion form and cheerful yellow flowers make it ideal for alpine troughs, rock gardens, scree beds, and specialized alpine plant collections where it commands respect from serious alpine gardeners. [source]
Container and Trough Growing
HouseholdThe plant's small size and specific drainage requirements make it perfect for alpine troughs, raised beds, and specially prepared containers where moisture and drainage can be carefully controlled. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental plant not typically harvested. Enjoy the flowers in spring. For seed collection, allow pods to mature and dry on the plant, then collect and store in a cool, dry place for spring sowing with stratification.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Draba mollissima is related to broccoli, cabbage, and mustard, all members of the Brassicaceae family, making it a miniature cousin of important food crops.
- 🌱 The plant's soft, hairy foliage (mollissima means 'very soft') helps it conserve moisture and reflect intense alpine sunlight in its native high-altitude habitat.
- 🌱 Alpine gardeners consider successfully growing Draba mollissima a badge of honor, as it requires very specific drainage and moisture conditions that separate experienced growers from beginners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Draba mollissima planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Draba mollissima seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Draba mollissima timeline →