Smilacina racemosa

Germination

Sow indoors or in a cold frame as soon as possible. Cold frame, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Seed will need to have at least one cycle of winter cold before germination will occur in spring as the weather warms. Germination can take up to 2 years. Indoors, sow as above then cold stratify at 4°C, a fridge is ideal, for +3 weeks. Remove to warmth for germination. Germination here can take 1-6 months. Repeated cycles of warmth and cold should eventually offer germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on under glass for their 1st year. Plant out in autumn when dormant.

Growing

While growing on seedlings under glass offer a liquid feed to prevent nutrient deficiency. Prefers a humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full or partial shade. A woodland setting or shaded border is ideal. Slow to establish but easy to grow and care for.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn. Plants will also spread slowly by underground rhizomes.