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Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
On sale

Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root

Medeola virginiana

$6.00
( / )
Format

Origine : Non spécifiée


Catégories: comestible, indigène, médicinale, sous-bois, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: ON, QC, NB, NS,

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

Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana), also known as Virginia cucumber-root, is a native perennial plant found in the hardwood forests of eastern North America. Typically reaching between 30 and 90 cm in height, it has a distinctive structure with two tiers of leaves. The first set of dark green leaves forms a whorl around the stem, while a second, smaller set appears near the top later in the season. In late spring or early summer, it produces small, pendulous, yellow-green flowers that transform into black berries in the fall. Adapted to the forest understory, Indian cucumber-root prefers moist, acidic soils rich in organic matter.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Indian cucumber-root has edible roots with a mild, cucumber-like flavour, giving it its common name. The root is also diuretic and hydrogogue However, this plant is now less commonly used due to its rarity in certain regions. The berries, however, are toxic to humans.

Ecological Roles
Indian cucumber-root plays a modest but important role in forest ecosystems by providing a food source for some animals in the fall with its berries. While toxic to humans, these berries attract small mammals and birds, helping disperse the seeds. Its presence in the forest understory contributes to the diversity of plant layers and enriches local biodiversity.

 

Indian cucumber-root seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation 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 - Indian Cucumber-root

Indian cucumber-root seeds require a 90-day cold stratification period, followed by a 30-day warm stratification period, and then a second 90-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 90-day cold stratification period.
Mid-December: 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-January: Return the same package to the refrigerator for the second 90-day cold stratification period.
Mid-April: The seeds are ready to be started 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 substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Indian cucumber-root grows well in cool to moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It thrives in full to partial shade, in mixed and deciduous forests, where it forms subtle yet elegant colonies beneath the forest canopy.

Seeds per packet: 15

Family: Liliaceae

Scientific name: Medeola virginiana

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type: Sandy to loamy

Soil moisture level: Medium to wet

Soil - additional attributes: Rich

Light: Part shade, shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 30 to 45 cm

Height: 30 to 90 cm

Deer resistance: Unknown

Stratification: 2 x 90 days

Scarification: No

Germination time: 35 to 60 days

Sowing depth: 5 mm