JACK In THE PULPIT Arisaema consanguineum

Unique and relatively unknown and hardy plants with multiple attractive features, including exotic-looking foliage and flowers, and large clusters of red berries from late summer through the winter! Plants are long-lived hardy perennials.

 Type: Perennial

Height: 36-48"

Hardiness zones: 4-11. Generally these plants are considered hardy to zone 5, though we have been growing them in our zone 4 gardens for several years, and they survive the winter with no extra protection.

Bloom time: Spring/Summer

Seeds per pack: 5

Note: This plant species is known to contain oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause swelling in the mouth and throat, possibly causing upset stomach, pain, and breathing difficulties.

Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.

If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden. It is best to use this method only if you are able to keep the soil moist for the entire germination period.