Great Basin Indian Potato
Orogenia linearifolia
zones 2-5
30 seeds
The Great Basin Indian Potato is a tiny genus of flowering plants in the carrot family. There are two species, both native to the western United States. They are perennial herbs, and though not related to true potatoes, they have tuberous roots which helped earn them their common name. The tiny plant is often found near vernal snowbanks, blooming as soon as snow has cleared off the ground. The tiny white flowers cluster at the top of a short (2-3 inches) stem.
Since stored seed is more difficult to germinate, direct sowing seeds in summer or autumn brings the most success. As long as you experience temperatures of 40 degrees F or below for a good part of the winter, Great Basin Indian Potato should have no trouble germinating.
If seeds can’t be sown in summer or autumn, they will need 3 months of cold, moist stratification. To stratify seeds indoors, mix them with a little moist soil in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. Try to time the stratification so that it ends when temperatures are between 60-70 degrees F. Following sufficient stratification either sow the seed directly or in pots. At temperatures of 60-70 F, most of the seeds should germinate in about 3 weeks. You can often see some early germinators in the plastic bags in the refrigerator. This is a good sign that the seeds are ready to sow.
Orogenia linearifolia
zones 2-5
30 seeds
The Great Basin Indian Potato is a tiny genus of flowering plants in the carrot family. There are two species, both native to the western United States. They are perennial herbs, and though not related to true potatoes, they have tuberous roots which helped earn them their common name. The tiny plant is often found near vernal snowbanks, blooming as soon as snow has cleared off the ground. The tiny white flowers cluster at the top of a short (2-3 inches) stem.
Since stored seed is more difficult to germinate, direct sowing seeds in summer or autumn brings the most success. As long as you experience temperatures of 40 degrees F or below for a good part of the winter, Great Basin Indian Potato should have no trouble germinating.
If seeds can’t be sown in summer or autumn, they will need 3 months of cold, moist stratification. To stratify seeds indoors, mix them with a little moist soil in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. Try to time the stratification so that it ends when temperatures are between 60-70 degrees F. Following sufficient stratification either sow the seed directly or in pots. At temperatures of 60-70 F, most of the seeds should germinate in about 3 weeks. You can often see some early germinators in the plastic bags in the refrigerator. This is a good sign that the seeds are ready to sow.
Orogenia linearifolia
zones 2-5
30 seeds
The Great Basin Indian Potato is a tiny genus of flowering plants in the carrot family. There are two species, both native to the western United States. They are perennial herbs, and though not related to true potatoes, they have tuberous roots which helped earn them their common name. The tiny plant is often found near vernal snowbanks, blooming as soon as snow has cleared off the ground. The tiny white flowers cluster at the top of a short (2-3 inches) stem.
Since stored seed is more difficult to germinate, direct sowing seeds in summer or autumn brings the most success. As long as you experience temperatures of 40 degrees F or below for a good part of the winter, Great Basin Indian Potato should have no trouble germinating.
If seeds can’t be sown in summer or autumn, they will need 3 months of cold, moist stratification. To stratify seeds indoors, mix them with a little moist soil in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. Try to time the stratification so that it ends when temperatures are between 60-70 degrees F. Following sufficient stratification either sow the seed directly or in pots. At temperatures of 60-70 F, most of the seeds should germinate in about 3 weeks. You can often see some early germinators in the plastic bags in the refrigerator. This is a good sign that the seeds are ready to sow.