- Protection of species: Do not collect seeds in nature
- Choose the right location for sowing
- Other factors when sowing monkshood
The blue monkshood (Aconitum napellus), like many other monkshood subspecies, is extremely poisonous for the garden, but it is still very often planted as an ornamental shrub because of its showy flowers. Not only can the plant be propagated by division, but it can also be grown from seed relatively easily.
The seeds for sowing monkshood may not be collected in the wild
Protection of species: Do not collect seeds in nature
The deposits of monkshood have been severely depleted over the centuries due to the specific needs of the location and the healing powers attributed to monkshood. For this reason, many monkshood varieties are under special legal protection in numerous countries. Therefore, not only the parts of the plant, but also the poisonous seeds must not be collected in nature. However, the specialist trade now has a wealth of monkshood varieties available as seeds or young plants. Some of these bloom even more magnificently during the flowering period than the wild varieties of monkshood.
Choose the right location for sowing
Monkshood occurs in nature in rather cool and damp locations along streams or on mountain slopes. Although it does not tolerate heavy waterlogging, it should always have enough moisture available. Since monkshood loves humus and nutrient-rich soils, it is also considered an indicator plant for nitrogenous soils. Monkshood's need for sun or shade differs slightly from variety to variety and should be taken from the information on the seed packaging.
Other factors when sowing monkshood
When sowing monkshood, you should consider the following factors:
- monkshood is one of the cold germs
- as dark germs, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil
- gloves should be worn when pricking out the young plants
The seeds of monkshood should not be sown too close together, otherwise only very weak seedlings can form.
tips
If you sow aconite in the center of your perennial beds, you, your children and pets are less likely to come into contact with aconite leaves and flowers. This is important because the plants and seeds can be poisonous not only when eaten but also when touched.