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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.

 

Upon receipt, it is important to place the packet containing seeds in the refrigerator until sowing.

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

Upon receipt, it is important to place the packet containing the false Solomon's seal seeds in the refrigerator.

False Solomon's seal grows in part shade or shade and prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil.

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

The false Solomon's seal seeds offered by Akène are sold in a sealed bag containing moistened vermiculite. The first stratification period began in mid-September. Depending on the month of receipt, they will therefore be at a different stage of the stratification process. Here is the schedule to follow to complete the dormancy cycle:

Mid-November: take the bag out of 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: place the same bag back in the refrigerator for a second cold stratification period of at least 60 days. The seeds are ready to start indoors around mid-February. You can also start them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed in your area, keeping the bag in the refrigerator until sowing time. Check the seeds in your refrigerator from time to time to make sure they have not begun to germinate.

Sow the seeds about 5 mm deep in a well-drained substrate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination of this species generally occurs after 15 to 20 days.

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