Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
(Challenging — seed collection window is brief and timing is critical)

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring to early summer — typically May through early July, depending on your location.

 

Signs seeds are ready:

 

  • Produces low, ground-level seed capsules following early spring flowering.

  • Capsules ripen into soft, fleshy pods that split open when mature.

  • Seeds are shiny, dark brown to black, each with a fleshy elaiosome (which attracts ants for dispersal).

  • Capsules split open naturally, and seeds fall or are quickly taken by ants, so timing is critical.

 

Seed collection steps:

 

  1. Check daily in late spring and collect capsules just before they fully open.

  2. Open the pods manually and extract the seeds.

  3. Allow seeds to air dry briefly (1–2 hours), but do not let them dry completely.

  4. Store in moist medium or plant immediately, as seeds are short-lived and recalcitrant.

 

Germination tip:

 

  • Requires cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days.

 

    • C(60–90): Store in moist sand or paper towel in the refrigerator, or sow outdoors in fall.

 

  • Seeds may also benefit from a warm phase (W/C dormancy) prior to chilling, mimicking summer followed by winter.

 NEED AN EASIER METHOD? CLICK HERE FOR RHIZOME DIVISION OF WILD GINGER.