How to grow Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium caeruleum

Divide the rootball every 3-4 years carefully as roots are tender.


Will tolerate full sun only in climates with cool summers. Part shade is best.


Deadhead to prolong blooming throughout the season.

Contrary to the above information, my seed germinated in SIX days and my plants bloom in late spring and early summer.

Growing Jacob's ladder from seed

Sow direct into the ground early spring or early summer. Self seeds freely.

Ensure a seed sowing distance of 7.02 inches (18.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 19°C / 66°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Jacob's ladder about 56 days before your last frost date .

How long does Jacob's ladder take to grow?

These estimates for how long Jacob's ladder takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Jacob's ladder to germinate?
56 days

Average 56 days | Min 33 days | Max 98 days (4)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Jacob's ladder?
+ 15 days

Average 15 days | Min 15 days | Max 15 days (1)

Days to Maturity How long until Jacob's ladder is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 69 days

Average 69 days | Min 69 days | Max 69 days (1)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Jacob's ladder?
= 140 days

When should I plant Jacob's ladder?

Our when to plant Jacob's ladder estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Jacob's ladder before or after your last frost date.
56 days before Last Frost Date

Jacob's ladder Etymology

The botanical epithet is from the Latin caerulea meaning “off whitein color”, “creamy” or “almost blue”.1

Jacob's ladder Folklore & Trivia

The ancient Greeks used this plant to treat dysentery, toothaches, and bites.

Other names for Jacob's ladder

Greek valerian, Jacobs Ladder

Polemonium caeruleum L.

Footnotes

1 Latin Dictionary


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