Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans), is a native woodland wildflower found in rich, moist forests and shaded slopes across the eastern and central U.S., including Illinois. It’s known for its attractive, fern-like foliage and clusters of nodding, bell-shaped blue to violet flowers in spring.
Best time to collect seeds:
Late spring to early summer — typically May to June, shortly after flowering ends.
Signs seeds are ready:
After blooming, the flowers develop small capsule-like seed pods.
Wait until the pods turn brown and begin to split open — inside are small, dark brown to black seeds.
The seeds should come loose easily when shaken or gently crushed.
Collection and handling:
Clip seed heads when most pods are brown but before they fully split and drop seeds.
Let them air dry in a paper bag or tray for 1–2 weeks in a shaded, dry place.
Once dry, crack open the pods and separate seeds from the husks.
Germination tip:
Jacob’s Ladder seeds require cold stratification to germinate well. Mimic winter conditions by:
Placing seeds in moist sand or paper towel inside a vented plastic bag
Refrigerating for 6–8 weeks before sowing in spring