MARAL ROOT SEEDS

Leuzea carthamoides

ORGANIC

One of the many bright stars of the Russian pharmacopoeia, Maral Root is an extremely hardy and ornamental medicinal native to Siberia. Named for the Maral deer that dig and eat the root during rutting season, the root and seeds are valued as adaptogens. In Russia it is employed as an ergogenic to enhance strength and endurance in athletes. For the majority of us its most useful application may be in the recovery of illness, along with Eleuthero Root. Maral Root is potentially anabolic. Farmacie Isolde does not recommend Maral Root for daily use.

Harvest roots no sooner than the autumn of the second year. As an alternative, consider using only the seeds, as the roots are difficult in the extreme.

Dramatic and attractive deeply-cut thistle-like foliage will grow to 2' in all directions. Flower stalks are topped with big violet-pink Centaurea-like blooms and can grow to 5'. Maral Root will not thrive in full sun at low elevation. Best to grow in part shade and moist, but not waterlogged, garden soils. It will not overwinter in wet soil. In the far north and at elevation, Maral Root prefers full sun.

Seeds are typically listed as requiring stratification but are sometimes easily germinated indoors at cool temperatures: sow about 1/8" deep in moist soil, pressing firmly to keep seed snug; kept moist at 50F-65F, seeds will germinate within a week or two. Heat may discourage germination. If seeds do not germinate within two weeks, try stratifying seeds for 4 weeks or simply placing in a sheltered area outdoors in late winter until germination takes place. Transplant seedlings to individual pots and grow in not-too-bright light at room temperature. Plant seedlings outdoors after the last frost.

Protect from deer.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.