Where to Find Solomon’s Seal Seeds for Your Garden

Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) 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.