Dappled Sun
Medium
Use lots of manure and compost.
Aconite grows tall but does not often need staking as the stems are straight and sturdy
Take care when handling, all parts of the plant are toxic and harmful, use gloves.
Can take 2-3 years to flower if grown from seed and germination follows a period of cold. This can be natural if sown in the autumn or artificial if placed in a refrigerator for four to six weeks. Start the seed as normal and leave at 15C for two to four weeks, then place in the refrigerator. After the period of cold return to 15C and the seeds should germinate in two to four weeks.
Slow and erratic germination
Divide plants in fall every two to three years.
Aconite enjoys a sunny situation but can also tolerate partial shade
Rabbit proof
Poison. Handle with gloves and do not allow to touch the skin. All pats of the plant are poison
The flowers are best enjoyed if left in the garden, rather than being used are a cut flower in the house.
Seeds are toxic, but can be collected in late autumn
These estimates for how long Wolfsbane takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 119 days | Min 60 days | Max 240 days (4)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average 600 days | Min days | Max days (0)
From The Rodale Herb Book: "The generic name is said to be derived from akontion, a dart, because it was used to poison arrows. To be fair, it has also been suggested that _Aconitum “:is derived from _akone”:, cliffy or rocky, because the plant is oftimes found in rocky areas."
It is said that ‘Wolfsbane’ is named as it was used to bait meat to kill wolves and foxes
‘Monkshood’ describes the flower shape hooded over by the top petals
It has been known from ancient times for its toxic properties and arrow poison to dispatch both vermin and enemies.
Aconite, Monkshood
Aconitum napellus L.