Propagation Protocol For Culver’s Root Veronicastrum virginicum

Abstract

Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw.), a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), is a summer-blooming native perennial propagated from seeds by Project Native nursery in Massachusetts. Seeds are collected in early to mid-fall and sown in December to mid-January. Sown seeds are given a natural stratification period outdoors under winter cover. Seed trays brought into a polyhouse in April germinate within a month, and seedlings are transplanted into plugs and 3.8-l (1-gal) containers during the first growing season. Project Native staff prefers to overwinter first-year plants outdoors under protective cover before selling more fully developed plants during the second growing season.