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Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal
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Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

$5.00
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Categories: Edible, Native, Nectar-rich, Woodland, Perennial, Bulk

Native range: MB, ON, QC, NB, PE, NS, NL

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum) is a perennial native to North American woodlands, known for its early blooming. It can grow up to 75 cm in height and features arching stems with lance-shaped, petiole-less leaves arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are deep green with prominent veins. In the spring, small, fragrant white flowers appear in dense clusters at the tip of the stem. In the fall, the flowers turn into decorative fruits, initially green with red spots, and later becoming fully red when mature.

Sociability index: 3 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into jellies and molasses, but their culinary interest remains limited. Caution is advised, as they may have a laxative effect when eaten raw in large quantities. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the young spring shoots can be cooked and used as an asparagus substitute.

Ecological Roles
False Solomon's seal plays an important role in forest ecosystems. Its white flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring, while its reddish berries provide a food source for certain birds and small mammals in the fall. As a woodland plant, it helps stabilize forest soils and supports woodland garden biodiversity.

 

False Solomon's seal seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the growing notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Stratified Seeds - False Solomon's Seal

False Solomon’s seal seeds require a 60-day cold stratification period, followed by a 30-day warm stratification period, and then a second 60-day cold stratification period to ensure germination.

The seeds offered by Akène are sold in a sealed bag containing moist vermiculite. The first cold stratification period began in mid-September. Depending on the month of reception, they will be at a different stage of the stratification process. The following schedule is recommended to complete the dormancy cycle:

Mid-September: Place the bag in the refrigerator for the first 60-day cold stratification period.
Mid-November: Remove the bag from the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature, away from light and in its original packaging, for about 30 days for the warm stratification period.
Mid-December: Return this same package to the refrigerator for a second 60-day cold stratification period.
Mid-February: The seeds are ready to start indoors. If outdoor sowing is preferred, the seeds can remain in the refrigerator longer until it is time to start. It is advisable to check the seed bag occasionally, as some may begin to germinate. If this happens, they should be started indoors.

Sowing: Sow the seeds about 5 mm deep in a well-drained substrate rich in organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination generally occurs after 15 to 20 days.

False Solomon’s seal grows well in cool to moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It thrives in part to full shade, in mixed and deciduous forests, where it forms vigorous and attractive colonies under the forest canopy.

Seeds per packet: 30

Family: Asparagaceae

Scientific name: Maianthemum racemosum

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type: Loamy

Soil moisture level: Medium to humid

Soil - additional attributes: Rich. Well-drained.

Drought tolerance: Moderate

Light: Part shade, shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 30 cm

Height: 75 cm

Deer resistance: Low

Stratification: Pre-stratified

Scarification: No

Germination time: 15 to 20 days

Sowing depth: 5 mm

Reproductive system: Self-fertile hermaphrodite