Astragalus membranaceous var. mongholicus ‘BLBP 04’ seeds – (Chinese Milkvetch)

Description

Picture thanks to https://www.jelitto.com.

This plant is chiefly grown for its inflated red tinged seed husks, and high content of astragalosid IV, and roots which are used in traditional chinese medicine .

The flowers are light yellow and are produced in Summer, but it is the seed pods which are most decorative.

Sowing advice

These seeds require a period of moist cold to germinate.  Sow the seeds in winter 4 weeks before the last frost, onto moist seed raising mix in a pot. Cover lightly with  moist mix.  If you live in areas which get frost then put outside  and keep the seeds moist, protect the small seedlings from any late frost.  If you live in areas which don’t have frosts, then place the pot in a plastic bag, seal and put into the fridge for 4 weeks .  Take out of the fridge and remove the plastic bag after the 4 weeks and propagate at about 15 -20 deg C.