MAY APPLE Podophyllum peltatum
An exotic looking woodland plant, is actually extremely hardy! May Apple is named for the apple-looking fruit that it produces. The main attraction is the large and shiny leaves it produces. May Apple is happy in a shaded garden under trees, though can also be grown in a fairly sunny location. It does not need any special care, and slowly spreads to produce drifts.
Height: 12"
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Location: Sun or shade
Note: Ornamental use only. Many plants have poisonous parts, these included. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them grow. 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 5-6 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 after the warming period.
Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.
