Learn How to Grow Solomon’s Seal | Gardener’s Path

Most varieties have medium green foliage, but some cultivars are variegated with cream streaks and edging on the leaves.

Flowers bloom in small clusters of two or three that hang below the stems where they arch over, lasting for several weeks in spring.

Flowers are followed by small, almost black grape-like fruits that are popular with birds.

Although some species have historical usage as an edible and in folk medicine, it should be noted that most parts of Solomon’s seal, including the berries, are toxic to humans and pets.

Proper preparation of young rhizomes and shoots is required before they can be consumed.

How to Grow

Solomon’s seal is prized for its easy care but performs best when given the conditions it loves. Let’s take a closer look at those conditions right now.

Light

Polygonatum species are most robust in partial to full shade, ideally where they receive morning or dappled sunlight and are protected from hot afternoon sun.

Soil

Solomon’s seal plants prefer growing mediums that are fertile and humus-rich but are adaptable to heavy or clay soils if amended with plenty of natural materials such as compost, well-rotted manure, or worm castings. 

The soil must be well-draining to avoid root rot.

If needed, amend with one part of grit to ensure water moves away from the roots – materials such as landscape sand, crushed shells, pea gravel, or stone chips are good for providing a sharper texture for better drainage.

Avoid adding landscape sand to heavy clay soils or it will end up like concrete!

Water

New divisions require about one inch of water per week to maintain evenly moist soil.

Container-grown plants may need more frequent water applications especially during warm weather.

Once established, plants develop good drought tolerance and watering can be cut back. Mature colonies can be watered when the top one or two inches of soil dries out.

Temperature and Humidity

During the growing season, Solomon’s seal enjoys cool to warm temperatures in the range of 65 to 80°F.

They do well in areas of high humidity provided there’s ample air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

These herbaceous plants die back for winter but the rhizomes exhibit excellent cold-hardiness.

Most species and cultivars are hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, although a few, such as P. falcatum are hardy only to Zone 4.

Fertilizer

When planted in rich, fertile soil, Solomon’s seal rarely requires supplemental fertilizer.

In spring, a side dressing of compost, well-rotted manure, or worm castings provides all the nutrients the plants need.

Gently work in one or two inches of organic matter using a hand cultivator.

Alternatively, an all-purpose, slow release granular feed can be scratched into the soil surface in spring.

Burpee All-Purpose Fertilizer

I find that a fertilizer with organic materials and balanced nutrients works well, like this one from Burpee which has an NPK ratio of 5-5-5.

Avoid overfertilizing to prevent stressing the slow-spreading rhizomes.

Where to Buy

You can find Solomon’s seal available at most good plant nurseries or online.

‘Variegatum’

A variegated variety with attractive, creamy stripes and edging, ‘Variegatum’ (P.  odoratum) is available in three packs of bare roots at Burpee.

Garden Solomon’s Seal

Garden Solomon’s seal (P. × hybridum), with bright green leaves and chartreuse-tinged flowers, can be found in three-packs of bare roots at Walmart.

Maintenance

In fall after the foliage has died back, cut back any remaining stems to ground level.

Rake up fallen leaves and add to the compost or use them to cover the rhizomes, where they’ll break down into nutrient-rich leaf mold.