Guide to Propagating the Native Jack in the Pulpit Plant

By Andi Anderson

Jack-in-the-pulpit, also known as Arisaema triphyllum, is a unique and eye-catching native woodland plant admired by many gardeners. Those who already grow this plant often want to propagate it, and with proper care and safe handling, it can be done successfully.

Gardeners are reminded to purchase plants from trusted nurseries and to avoid collecting them from the wild. Overharvesting native plants can harm natural ecosystems, so seeds should only be collected from plants already growing in home gardens.

Jack-in-the-pulpit thrives in rich, damp, shaded soil found in woodlands, bogs and stream banks. Adding compost or leaf mold and watering regularly can help create the conditions these plants enjoy.

They prefer acidic to neutral soil, so gardens with heavy clay or high pH may not be suitable. A soil test can help determine whether the growing environment is appropriate.

In spring, the plant produces a single shoot with two sets of leaves and one unusual flower. Each leaf has three leaflets. The flower contains a hood called a spathe, which curves over a central column called the spadix, commonly called “Jack.”

The flower can appear in shades of pale green, dark green or striped maroon. Mature plants can grow up to 3 feet tall.

After pollination, the plant forms a cluster of green berries that ripen to bright red by late summer or early fall. This is the best time to collect seeds for propagation.

Gardeners should wear moisture-proof gloves because the juice from the berries may irritate the skin, and the berries are poisonous. Each berry holds several seeds.

Seeds can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors. They require cold stratification for successful germination. Direct sowing involves lightly raking the soil, spreading the seeds, covering them with a thin layer of soil and adding leaf mulch.

For indoor stratification, seeds can be placed in damp sphagnum moss inside a sealed bag and refrigerated for 60–90 days. Afterward, they can be planted in a shallow layer of potting mix and kept moist until they sprout.

Growing this plant can be a rewarding experience. Propagating native species allows gardeners to learn, experiment and enjoy the beauty of unique flowers in their own landscapes.

Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman