How to grow Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

This naturally grows in wooded areas, and prefers rich, moist soil with lots of leaf mulch. Dappled shade to full shade is best. It can be propagated by seed or through root division. It is a prolific reseeder when given the right conditions. Does well on steep slopes as long as it has both 1) moisture and 2) well draining soil. If your soil does not drain well, consider putting it in a raised bed.

Growing Black cohosh from seed

Very difficult to germinate from seed, may take several years. They need a period of warm – cold – warm.

Sow seed for next year in late summer/early autumn about 1/4 below surface. This can be done in flats or direct.

Cold stratify 2 weeks at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 4 weeks at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Another alternative is to store for 2 weeks 70F and then 3 months at 40F.2

Transplanting Black cohosh

Transplant the seedlings in spring after frost has left the ground.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Black cohosh is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Black cohosh

Gather Black Cohosh rootstock in the fall after the fruit has formed. Wash roots carefully, blot with paper towel or absorbent cloth. Dry in a well ventilated area away from smoke, pets and pests, preferably on wire racks. 1

Seed Saving Black cohosh

It’s best to directly sow these in the ground when mature rather than to save them indoors, due to their tendency to go into different (and difficult to break) stages of dormancy.

They are mature when you can hear the seeds rattling around in the pods.

How long does Black cohosh take to grow?

These estimates for how long Black cohosh takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Black cohosh Folklore & Trivia

Has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, especially for women (reportedly helpful with hot flashes). Due to this demand it is being overharvested in the wild, and is becoming increasingly rare. Make sure you’re buying seeds or plants from reputable outlets.

Other names for Black cohosh

Black bugbane, American baneberry, Black snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimicifuga, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot, Cimicifuga racemosa

Footnotes

1 Alternative Nature Online Herbal entry on Black Cohosh

2 Black Cohosh Plant and Seeds


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