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How do I use jack-in -the-pulpit seed heads to propagate?

Lynn in Parkton, Maryland

8 years ago

After cultivating native jack-in-the-pulpit in one flower bed for years, I have now reached saturation. I have some other beds I would like to move them to, but do not know the best way. All the seed pods are red right now. Do I just spread the red bulbs on the ground, plant them, or break them apart?

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Comments (4)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Collect the seed pods when they are ready to fall off when lightly touched. You can wrap the remainder in a piece of pantyhose or cheese cloth to keep the birds from taking them if they are not all ready to harvest. When they are ready crush the red coating to reveal the seeds and plant 1/2" deep.
Cathy Kaufell
8 years ago
Just let the seed drop next to the mother plant. After they germinate in the spring I'll move them out or pot them up for friends.
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If you have dried cleaned seed - Arisaema triphyllum , Sow at Max. 41ÂºF, germination irregular, often several months If you have fresh, or seed not yet harvested, you might read through this article by Tony Avent Here is a link that might be useful: Tony on the Road - Arisaema
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This is just my opinion so take it for what it's worth to you but I find my jacks (of which we have hundreds) do better to spread in a more natural fashion. As the previous poster suggested, the pulp needs to be removed if you want to give them a helping hand b/c a lot of native seeds have a "germination inhibitor" in the pulp of the flesh. I myself just scatter the seeds and they grow very well but if you want even more insurance, I would clean the seeds, rake the ground to loosen it, scatter your seed and then rake in the seed so they aren't picked up by birds. Allowing them to stratify naturally will give you a better germination rate as well as a much stronger plant. Barb southern Ontario, CANADA
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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.
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Lynn in Parkton, Maryland
Original Author
8 years ago
I was not sure how easy they were to transplant as the originals were hard to get started.
Lynda Waldrep
8 years ago
The "coating" needs to be removed if you want next year germination. However, if you are not in a hurry, you can just drop them in the soil, and Mother Nature will take care of that. If you clean them, be sure to wear gloves, as the coating will cause an itching reaction in most people. They do not like to stay in pots very long, so plant out at least by the next fall after germination.

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cold stratification?

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