I am playing with Jack in the Pulpit seeds this Spring. My first batch (about 60) germinated fine in wet paper towels, about 75%. Then tragedy, overwatered in seed starter mix, I managed to drown them all. So sad. Second batch are in process, 69 seeds, 40 germinated so far. Planted only half buried with the root pointing down on top of Jiffy pellets. Taking GREAT care not to drown them. 20 of them have one leaf and the other 20 look good, except 4 which are definitely sick. I was waiting for the one leaves to turn into three, but now I read that one is all you get in the first year. I have another 40 seeds on order, just in case, however, now by the time they arrive I hope to be a pro. In my woods are plenty of lovely Jack in the Pulpit plants in bloom. All have three leaflet leaves. Many with the pulpit holding the jack. Just lovely, so delicate. Nowhere in my woods, and I have looked a lot, do I see the single leaf plants. The wild plants seem to spread by underground connectors, so they are grouped in clusters, all with triple leaflets. Last year I saw one bright red berry/seed cob. That is what got me going. However it disappeared one night. I think it was eaten. Hugh Tornabene (Maryland)

Robin, I think you are probably good on the conditions (shady to part sun). I wouldn't grow this species in standing water, but anything from slightly moist to wet is probably fine. They seem to do well in rich organic "mucky" soil, the same kind of soil you might use for skunk cabbage, false hellebore, marsh marigold, and swamp pink. They will also thrive in a normal woodland garden, even if it has periodic dry periods. They will spread over time but are really slow growers. It can take years from seed to bloom.

Jacks move easily. Not sure where yours are in the growing process. Mine are just peeking out. If you dig deep enough and get a good clump it is possible to not even disturb the roots and corm. I have moved mine around my lot often. I have some in pots that do return each year. Now or after they begin die back are the best times. If you move them while they are blooming they may die out but will return next year. The lilac you can also dig a clump of root stock out. I was told doing this will shock the new clump and it will take five years to bloom..you may be better off just starting from nursery stock.

I know this is an old post from back in '08,but I have something to contribute. I primarily garden with hostas,but my garden is in the woods in the mountains of western NC,so I think I qualify for the woodlands forum. This is a pic of one of my Trilliums,which I actually planted. I also have lots of native Trilliums in pink and fuschia,which come up every year in my hosta garden. I never move them,(unles they are in a path),mostly,I just incorporate them in the garden wherever they come up. Your Trillium will multiply,and you will get more flowers. Trilliums are easy to identify. They always have three leaves leaves,and a three petal flower,hence the name Tri-llium,meaning three. Take a look. Phil