Where to Find Solomon’s Seal Seeds for Your Garden

Solomon’s seal is a lovely spring-blooming perennial that thrives in shady gardens. Its arching stems are lined with oval-shaped leaves and dangling, bell-shaped white flowers. After the blooms fade, blue-black berries appear, attracting birds. With proper care, Solomon’s seal can live for decades, spreading slowly to form large colonies.

If you’d like to add this elegant plant to your landscape you’ll need to start with Solomon’s seal seeds. While plants are sometimes available at nurseries and garden centers, seeds give you more options and allow you to grow specific species and cultivars. Here’s what you need to know about finding and planting Solomon’s seal seeds for your garden.

A Brief Overview of Solomon’s Seal Species

There are around 60 species of Solomon’s seal native to North America Europe and Asia. Some of the most popular include

• Polygonatum biflorum (smooth Solomon’s seal): Native to eastern North America with unspotted leaves and greenish-white flowers.

• Polygonatum odoratum (fragrant Solomon’s seal): Native to Europe and Asia with spotted leaves and white or cream flowers that emit a lovely fragrance.

• Polygonatum canaliculatum (dwarf Solomon’s seal): A North American native that only reaches 6-12 inches tall with white flowers.

• Polygonatum multiflorum (giant Solomon’s seal): Native to China and growing up to 6 feet tall with larger leaves and flowers than P. odoratum.

Where to Buy Solomon’s Seal Seeds

Finding Solomon’s seal seeds requires searching specialty online retailers that offer a wide selection of perennial seeds Here are some top options:

• Ferri Seeds: A Canadian company with an extensive collection of rare and heirloom seeds, including P. odoratum, P. canaliculatum, P. biflorum, and more.

• Vermont Wildflower Farm: Based in the northeastern US, they sell seeds of P. biflorum and several other woodland wildflowers.

• Everwilde Farms: This Wisconsin company offers P. canaliculatum and other native Midwestern perennials.

• Prairie Moon Nursery: A leader in native plants and seeds, including smooth Solomon’s seal and other shade-loving species.

• Applewood Seed Company: Specializes in heirloom varieties, like fragrant Solomon’s seal, giant Solomon’s seal, and variegated forms.

When shopping for seeds, look for vendors that provide detailed growing instructions. Solomon’s seal can be tricky to germinate and may require cold stratification. Reputable sellers will explain proper planting techniques.

How Much Do Solomon’s Seal Seeds Cost?

Expect to pay $5 to $15 for a packet of Solomon’s seal seeds, depending on the species, cultivar, and quantity. Rare heirloom varieties tend to cost more. Packets usually have at least 10-20 seeds, sometimes up to 50 or more.

For comparison, live potted Solomon’s seal plants can cost $10 to $25 each from nurseries. Starting from seed is cheaper in the long run, especially if you want a large colony.

Planting and Caring for Solomon’s Seal Grown from Seed

Here’s a quick overview of how to grow Solomon’s seal from seed:

• Stratify seeds: Most species need 2-3 months of cold, moist stratification before they will germinate. Place seeds in a plastic bag with damp potting mix and store in the fridge.

• Start seeds: In early spring, remove seeds from the fridge and sow just below the soil surface. Cover trays to retain moisture.

• Grow on: Once seedlings emerge, move to larger containers. Grow on until large enough to transplant outdoors.

• Planting outdoors: Find a partially shaded site with rich, moist soil. Plant 1-2 feet apart. Mulch to conserve moisture.

• Care: Water during droughts, remove spent flowers, and divide large clumps every 3-5 years. Protect new shoots from slugs and deer.

With proper stratification and care, you can grow beautiful Solomon’s seals from seeds. The seeds may take longer to establish than nursery plants, but are worth the wait to get classic heirloom varieties or unusual species for your garden.

Where to Buy Solomon’s Seal Plants

If you don’t want to grow Solomon’s seal from seed, you can also purchase live plants from nurseries and online retailers. Here are some options:

• Local nurseries: Check independent garden centers or the perennial sections of large nursery chains for potted Solomon’s seal plants in spring and early summer.

• Online stores: Websites like Etsy, eBay, and specialty plant sites sell bare root Solomon’s seal plants which are shipped dormant in spring or fall.

• Mail order nurseries: Reputable mail order nurseries like Bluestone Perennials or White Flower Farm offer potted or bare root Solomon’s seal plants.

• Native plant nurseries: Businesses focused on native plants may carry locally-sourced species like P. biflorum or P. canaliculatum.

Expect to pay $10-25 for a potted plant or $15-20 for bare roots. Check roots carefully for damage before purchasing and plant as soon as possible after receiving bare root plants.

How to Tell if Solomon’s Seal Seeds are Viable

Since Solomon’s seal seeds can be tricky to germinate, it’s important to purchase fresh, viable seeds from reputable suppliers. Here are signs of quality Solomon’s seal seeds:

• Seed packets with detailed labeling, including Latin name, origin, harvest date, and germination instructions. Avoid generic “wildflower mixes.”

• Plump, heavy seeds that feel firm when gently squeezed. Shriveled, lightweight seeds may not grow.

• Good seed color without spots, mold, or damage. Solomon’s seal seeds are typically tan, black, or brown.

• High germination rates, preferably over 70%. This information should be printed on the packet or available from the seller.

• Seeds that have been properly stored in cold, dark, and dry conditions to maintain viability.

• Seeds within 1-2 years of harvest. Older seeds lose viability.

Check customer reviews and contact the seller with any questions before purchasing. Sowing extra seeds helps account for some not germinating. With high-quality, fresh seeds you’ll have the best results.

Tips for Growing Solomon’s Seal from Seeds

Solomon’s seal can be persnickety to grow from seeds, but success is possible with proper care:

• Stratify seeds by placing in moist potting mix in the refrigerator for 2-4 months. This cold period helps break dormancy.

• Sow seeds in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Cover lightly with 1/4 inch of soil.

• Maintain even moisture, but avoid letting seedlings sit in waterlogged soil which can cause rot.

• Partial shade is ideal. Too much sun can dry out the soil quickly. Mulch helps retain moisture.

• Be patient. Solomon’s seal seedlings emerge slowly over several weeks. Growth the first year is minimal.

• Transplant to the garden after 2-3 years once plants are a few inches tall. Space 1-2 feet apart.

• Water first year transplants regularly if rainfall is lacking. Growth will be slow as plants establish.

Follow proper growing conditions and allow time for plants to mature. In 3-5 years your Solomon’s seal seeds will develop into a beautiful garden feature.

With its graceful arching stems and dangling bellflowers, Solomon’s seal is a woodland native ideal for shady gardens. Seeds offer a cost-effective way to grow this perennial, especially heirloom and unusual varieties not found at nurseries. Seek out reputable suppliers selling fresh seeds, then be patient providing proper care as seeds slowly germinate and grow. In time, your Solomon’s seal seeds will flourish into an enchanting, naturalistic garden scene.

Yes, Solomon’s seal is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back every year. It dies back to the ground in the fall after the first frost and then re-emerges in the spring, according to the Home & Garden Information Center at Clemson University.