SIBERIAN CLAYTONIA SEEDS

Montia sibirica

This species is not only Siberian but American, and found throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Like common Claytonia its succulent leaves may be used as a salad, and unlike common Claytonia this species boasts charming pink flowers that brighten up shady woodlands. Described as having been juiced or taken as a cold infusion by various indigenous peoples, it is soothing both inside and out, and in some ways seems a more substantial and floriferous Chickweed. Unlike Chickweed this plant is not invasive or weedy and spreads very politely by stolons and seeds. Sometimes listed as an annual but is hardy and prolific and seems perennial to me. Among our most beautiful native salad plants and too rarely utilized in modern permaculture and forest farming.

Seeds germinate best with at least a few weeks of cold. Sow directly into the garden in autumn through late winter or tuck seeds into pots of moist soil overwintered outdoors in a sheltered location, like a screen porch or cold barn, taking care to keep soil moist. Seeds will begin to germinate during the first warm days of spring. Prick out seedlings and transplant into individual cells or pots to grow on in bright shade or morning sun before transplanting in early spring. Water seedlings and new plantings frequently, do not allow them to dry out completely!

Best in moist woodlands but fairly adapted to garden culture. Avoid full sun and sharply drained soils. Siberian Claytonia tolerates diverse soils so long as its roots are shaded and moist. If you have no woods in which to host this species, try an eastern exposure and carefully mulch plants with rocks to maintain soil moisture. Add kelp and other organic matter, even sticks, to particularly dry sandy soils. Mini hugelkultur!

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.