Goldenseal is a perennial wildflower in the barberry family that is native to the rich woodlands of eastern North America. It has palmately lobed leaves and white flowers. The flowers have many stamens. Hardy in zones 3-8.
Growing Instructions for the Goldenseal
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the spring or summer and they will germinate the next spring or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 6 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 4 months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Use a sterile seed starter mix or a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. The sterile seed starter mix prevents soil pathogens from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. 5. Put the soil in a pot. 6. Sow the seeds 1/16 of an inch deep. 7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. Put the pot in an area in part shade or shade. 9. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.