Solomon’s Seal, Giant Live Root (Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum), Organic
$7.00 – $80.00
ROOTS ship starting in October. If you order ROOTS along with seeds, the seeds will ship first and the roots will follow in season. We dig after dormancy in order to assure a good bud set–usually ending early December.
Solomon’s Seal, Giant (Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum)
Herbaceous perennial forest dweller distinguished from look-alikes by its huge size and flowers drooping in pairs from the leaf axils that occur below the sweeping arm of the plant. Plant in forest garden. Root restriction is relished, and these often grow on top of limestone substrate or in rocky places in the woods. Shade garden conditions are also fine. Upon receipt, plant the root about 1 inch deep in the mineral soil, horizontally, with the bud curving upwards. Cover with mulch. Emergence is in the spring. Remember–perennials sleep, then creep, then leap–it may take some time for the new planting to become established. there is no time to start like now!
Live root, certified organically grown
Question
Meghan –
Are these grown from seeds, and are a year or two old when shipped? Or are they cuttings off of larger rhizomes? I’ve been thinking about ordering both your seeds and your live roots, and I just wanted to better understand what the life roots are. Thanks so much! So much to learn. 🙂
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Richo Cech –
hi meghan, there’s a picture of the roots front and center on the item page. these are sold in the autumn only, because that is when they are dormant and best planted. they are nursery propagated and we try to give a large, budded rhizome. richo
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Question
Michael –
Can live roots be shipped to Canada?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Michael, Sorry, no, we wish there was no border, no customs, only fair trade and lots of growing food and medicine for the people, regardless of nationality. r
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Question
Mary Rachel Thompson –
I was wondering if these roots are okay to make fresh medicine with via tincture? Or are you selling them specifically for planting? If you are selling them for medicine making, do you harvest the roots upon order? Thank You.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Mary,
The roots are harvested on order and are nice vibrant starts meant for transplanting, not huge rhizomes that are generally preferred for medicine making.
Richo
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Question
Barb –
Will these roots grow in Hawaii? Both comfrey and turmeric grow well but I am wondering about several of your root options. Thank you!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Barb, Solomon’s Seal and most of our hardwood forest dependent temperate medicinal root herbs (ginseng, goldenseal, black and blue cohosh, wild yam, etc.) all require winter dormancy. Therefore, these are not a good choice for Hawaii. You can grow comfrey.
Richo
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Mercedes Lopez –
Will these grow in zone 10b? We have about 2 weeks of nighttime temps between 28 and 35 in winter, but mostly low 40s (southeastern California chaparral.). Thanks
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Mercedes,
These are not a good choice for your region. They like plenty of humidity and rich forest soils.
Richo
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Kira –
I’m planning to buy several of these to plant. Would they also be suitable for tincture at their current stage, or would you recommend growing them on for a season or two beforehand?
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Admin Richo Cech –
The rhizomes we give for medicine making are larger and may not have a nascent bud. The ones we give for propagation are often smaller, chosen on the basis of a pointed, elongated bud usually with rootlets attached. You can specify which you want. r
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Vicki Sato –
I live in Utah where the weather can be unpredictable because of lake effects. The summers can be in the low 100’s and the winters can dip on a cold winter to -20. I was hoping to plant on the north side of my home where it has little sun and is moist enough to grow moss. Will Solomon seal grow in those conditions.
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Admin Richo Cech –
I do think its worth a try under those conditions–solomon’s seal is widespread in its distribution because of its hardiness and temerity. Richo
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Alysia Krafel –
Can Solomon’s Seal Grow in a pot?
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Richo Cech –
yes, if you give it moist shade and a thick mulch of decomposed leaves or coconut coir
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