Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)

Beautiful, feathery plumes of creamy-white flowers on tall, elegant stems — perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and moist areas.

Seed Treatment:

Cold stratification:

  • Place seeds on a damp paper towel inside a sealed ziplock bag.
  • Refrigerate at 34–40 °F (1–4 °C) for 6–8 weeks.
  • If seedlings emerge during stratification, remove them carefully and plant immediately in pots.

Damp paper towel method is optional but effective for monitoring germination.

When to Sow:
Indoors: Start late winter to early spring after stratification.
Outdoors: Sow in autumn to allow natural cold stratification.

Optimum Temperature to Germinate:
59–68 °F (15–20 °C)

Germination Time:
8–12 weeks (56–84 days) after stratification.

Sowing Instructions:

  • Sow on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
  • Do not cover seeds — they need light to germinate.
  • Mist gently to maintain moisture.
  • Place in a bright, indirect light location.

Post Germination Care:

  • Keep seedlings evenly moist — do not allow to dry out.
  • When large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots.
  • Harden off gradually before planting outdoors after last frost.

Growing Tips:

  • Prefers partial shade to full shade.
  • Grows best in moist, fertile, well-draining soil.
  • Tolerates wet soils and is ideal for shady borders, streambanks, and woodland gardens.
  • Mulch to conserve moisture.
  • Minimal fertilization needed — compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
  • Fully hardy perennial; dies back in winter and regrows each spring.