Asphodel (Asphodelus albus), packet of 10 seeds, organic
$4.95
Family: Asphodel (Asphodelaceae)
Hardy Zone 6 to 10, evergreen in Zone 8 and up, otherwise herbaceous
Rare, tuberous, Aloe-like herbaceous perennial native to the shores of the Mediterranean. Slow-growing but tenacious, the plant awakens early in the spring, sending forth multiple, long, pointed, succulent leaves followed by the upright flowering plume, showy striped white. During the summer, the flowers give way to interesting seed capsules, light mahogany brown. Historical usage (TWM): acrid roots used to dissolve unwanted growths, tumors, freckles. Roots used to make glue, also boiled and combined with other ingredients to make “asphodel bread.” Not much used in modern herbalism. The plant prefers full sun and a dryish exposure and is tolerant of salt and wind. This plant grows on you. Sow seeds in spring, summer or fall to germinate the following spring. Good growers will find these to be quite reliable. Use outdoor nursery bed technique, outdoor flats, gallon pots or unheated greenhouse. Work up in successively larger pots. Give them plenty of space on the landscape, they are show plants that look well singly. Flowers to 3 feet.
10 seeds per packet, Certified Organically Grown
Only 10 left in stock
Question
Amethyst Trotter (verified owner) –
Trying to research the ediblity of this plant, particularly the root but finding little info and contradicting info. Any advice?
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Richo Cech –
hi amethyst, Apparently some people (historically at least) do or did eat asphodel, but I find it an unlikely choice. Here’s a link for you https://seasonalforaging.wordpress.com/2015/01/30/asphodelus-ramosus/
richo
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Amethyst Trotter (verified owner) –
That article is talking about Asphodelus ramosus whereas these seeds are Asphodelus Albus. Do you think the article still applies? (I’ve yet to read it)
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Richo Cech –
Yes, it is the same plant, just different ways to express the Latin. r
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Dakota (verified owner) –
Is there a particular trick to germinating asphodel seeds? Do they need a winter to grow?
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Richo Cech –
hi dakota, standard outdoor culture for long germinating seeds–screened flats or well-mulched nursery bed. nice that the seeds are big, that helps. don’t know any way to do this quickly. r
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