Polygonatum verticillatum var. rubrum
6 seeds per packet.
A tall plant with Bamboo-like growth native to the woodlands of north India and China. It produces whorls of narrow, lanceolate leaves and nodding, pink spotted flower bells which are borne in clusters at each leaf axil in summer, followed by red berries in autumn. Height 150cm. Part sun to part shade in humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Sow from autumn to early spring. Cover seed thinly, press in gently and keep top of compost from drying out. Keep pot outdoors or in cold frame over winter. Seeds germinate in spring.
Alternatively, if seeds can’t be sown in autumn or early spring use the following method: mix seeds with damp vermiculite and place inside a ziplock bag, keep bag somewhere warm for 3 weeks, then place in fridge (not freezer) for 8 weeks. Next spread mixture on top of a pot, thinly cover with compost or grit and keep warm at 15 to 20°C until germination, then move to somewhere cooler.
Carefully prick out seedlings when they have developed true leaves and are large enough to transplant to individual pots for growing on.