This arisaema has large and impressive, deeply-divided foliage shaped like a hand. Flowers are held above the foliage, a hooded spathe flops over a purple waxy spadix. These plants are very long lived, and form dense clumps. Bulbs can be lifted and divided to populate other areas.

 Type: Hardy perennial

Seeds per pack: 5

Height: 24", 2 feet

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Bloom time: Late spring and summer

Note: This plant species is known to contain oxalate crystals, in the juice or sap of these seeds or this plant. These crystals can irritate the skin and/or cause a rash, and ingestion can cause 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.