BISTORT SEEDS

Bistorta officinalis

Hardy edible and medicinal species native to the northernmost reaches of Eurasia and North America. Adapted to damp places and ideal for colonizing ground next to ponds and streams and in otherwise frustrating seasonal wetlands. The rhizomes are nutritious and profoundly astringent and are listed in the oldest European materia medica. Both roots and shoots were used as food by native Siberian and Alaskan peoples. Among the many non-native plants cultivated in Pompeii. In medieval England the large lanceolate leaves of this species were pressed into a pudding with ramsons, dandelions and nettles on Easter, and an "Easter beer" brewed from the roots was dispensed as a spring tonic to young and old alike.

In summer these plants feature loads of pink bottle brush flowers atop 2' stems. They are spectacular en masse and, for better or for worse, will spread fairly aggressively in moist soils. The rhizomatous roots may be dug in early spring or in autumn. Use fresh or cut and dry. Either way preparations of these roots are useful and safe both inside and out. TCM dabblers or practitioners will appreciate the incredible cooling qualities of this species.

These seeds are challenging to germinate and require warm-cold-cool stratification. This is best achieved by sowing into pots of moist soil covered with plastic and placing in a sheltered location outdoors in autumn while the weather is still quite warm. Allow sown seeds to overwinter undisturbed. These seeds will germinate during the first warm days of spring. Prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in individual 6" pots of rich moist soil in full to part sun until well rooted, at which point they may be transplanted. To simulate this process indoors sow seeds into pots of moist soil kept at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, and place in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks, checking frequently that soil is still moist. Then bring to COOL room temperature (around 60°F) in bright light. Seeds will germinate erratically over several weeks. Prick out seedlings to grow on in 6" pots of rich moist soil in bright light at cool temperatures. Water frequently. Harden off and transplant in spring or autumn.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.