How to Grow Great Solomon's Seal
Wikimedia Commons
Great Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum
herbGreat Solomon's Seal is a tall, graceful perennial native to North American woodlands, characterized by arching stems with paired leaves and dangling clusters of white tubular flowers. It grows 3-5 feet tall and spreads gradually via rhizomes, creating elegant vertical accents in shaded garden spaces. The plant produces dark blue berries in fall and is valued for both ornamental beauty and traditional herbal uses.
When should you plant Great Solomon's Seal in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Great Solomon's Seal timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Great Solomon's Seal
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Great Solomon's Seal
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Great Solomon's Seal dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, prefers cooler climates with consistent moisture
Sign up free to see if Great Solomon's Seal grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Great Solomon's Seal timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung rhizomes develop roots and first shoots emerge from soil
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid disturbing rhizomes; provide shade protection in first season
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer (4-6 weeks)Stems elongate with paired leaves arranged alternately up the stems; plant grows taller each year
Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer in spring; remove any weeds competing for nutrients; stems may need staking in windy locations
Flowering
Late spring to early summer (3-4 weeks)Small, delicate, nodding white flowers appear in pairs along the stems, hanging below the foliage in clusters
Ensure adequate moisture during flowering; do not fertilize heavily with nitrogen as this promotes foliage over blooms; maintain shade conditions
Fruiting & Seed Development
Summer through fall (8-12 weeks)Flowers fade and are replaced by small dark blue to black berries containing seeds
Allow berries to mature on plant; birds will disperse seeds naturally; maintain consistent moisture; do not deadhead if you want natural seed spread
Dormancy
Fall through early spring (5-6 months)Above-ground stems die back to ground level; rhizomes remain dormant underground over winter
Leave dead stems in place or cut back after frost; apply 2-4 inches of mulch for winter protection; do not disturb rhizomes; reduce watering
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with neem oil if severe; encourage natural predators
-
Hand-pick beetles early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply kaolin clay spray if heavy infestation
-
Increase humidity through misting; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure adequate moisture in soil
-
and
Create barriers with copper tape; handpick at dusk; apply food-grade diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected foliage; apply sulfur fungicide if needed
Uses
Joint and connective tissue support
MedicinalGreat Solomon's Seal rhizomes contain polysaccharides and saponins traditionally used to support joint flexibility and connective tissue health. Herbalists prepare decoctions and tinctures from dried rhizomes. [source]
Traditional wound healing
MedicinalHistorically used topically and internally to support wound healing and skin repair. The plant was used in traditional medicine to address minor cuts and promote skin integrity. [source]
Ornamental woodland landscaping
HouseholdPerfect for creating elegant vertical structure in shade gardens, woodland borders, and naturalized areas. Its graceful arching form and delicate flowers add sophisticated beauty with minimal maintenance. [source]
Bird and pollinator support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, while the dark blue berries provide important fall and winter food for migrating birds including thrushes and cedar waxwings. [source]
Herbal tea and decoction
CulinaryDried rhizomes can be steeped to create a mild herbal tea with earthy, slightly sweet notes. Traditional preparation involves simmering dried, sliced rhizomes for 10-15 minutes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For rhizome harvesting (medicinal use), wait until plant is at least 3-5 years old and has gone dormant in fall. Carefully dig around the base, extract rhizomes, clean thoroughly, and dry completely before use. For berry propagation, collect ripe dark berries in fall and clean off flesh; stratify seeds in cold moist conditions for 3 months before spring planting. Harvest above-ground portions (leaves, stems) in summer for fresh use or drying, but leave enough foliage to sustain the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Solomon's Seal' derives from the rhizome's appearance—when a rhizome is cut horizontally, the scars from previous years' growth resemble seals stamped into wax, according to folk tradition and medieval herbalism.
- 🌱 Great Solomon's Seal was used extensively by Native American tribes for joint and connective tissue support, earning it the colloquial name 'Lady's Seal' in some regions.
- 🌱 The plant's arching stems demonstrate a phenomenon called 'negative geotropism,' where the stem actively bends downward as it grows, creating its characteristic graceful pendant form.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Great Solomon's Seal planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Great Solomon's Seal seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Great Solomon's Seal timeline →