How to Germinate Goldenseal

Goldenseal has long been used as an herbal remedy by Native Americans from the New England region and later by early European settlers. Interest in the plant continues to this day, but many people now also grow goldenseal as an ornamental plant in gardens for its palmate leaves, dainty flowers and showy red berries. Although root division is the most common mode of propagation used to grow goldenseal, it is also possible to germinate the seeds to grow new specimens, which is less invasive and damaging to the parent plant, while offering a success rate that's similar to root divisions.

3.5-inch square pots
Seed-starting compost
Spray bottle
Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 3.5-inch square pots with seed-starting compost. Leave approximately 1/2-inch of space between the seed-starting compost and the brim of the pot.
- 2
  Poke a 3/4-inch-deep hole in the center of the seed-starting compost in each pot. Drop two goldenseal seeds into each hole. Cover the seeds.
- 3
  Mist the seed-starting compost in each pot with a spray bottle. Spray the seed-starting compost until it feels moist at least 1 inch below the surface.
- 4
  Wrap each pot in plastic wrap. Press the plastic wrap onto the bottom of the pot to secure it. Poke a pinhole in the top of the plastic wrap to allow for a small amount of evaporation.
- 5
  Place the pots inside a refrigerator for two months to cold-stratify the seeds. Remove the plastic wrap periodically to check the moisture level of the seed-starting compost. Remoisten it, as needed, so it never fully dries out. Replace the plastic wrap afterward.
- 6
  Remove the pots from the refrigerator after the cold stratification period. Remove the plastic wrap. Move the pots onto a sunny windowsill or outdoors into a cold frame, if one is available.
- 7
  Continue watering frequently with the spray bottle so that the seed-starting compost remains moist in the top inch at all times.
- 8
  Watch for germination in spring once daytime temperatures stay above 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three weeks in a row. Pluck out and discard one of the goldenseal seedlings from each pot if both seeds germinate.
- 9
  Transplant the goldenseal seedlings into a permanent planter or bed once they grow to 3 inches in height. Space the seedlings 12 inches apart. Provide the seedlings with light shade and loamy, mildly acidic soil.

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