Pokeweed is one of those eye-catching ornamental plants that really makes a statement in the garden, first with its unique flower spikes and later with those striking, deep blue-black berries. While it’s a bit of a rarity in many home gardens, it makes a fantastic natural screen along a fence line. Plus, if you’re looking to grow more, it’s actually pretty easy to propagate.
- Propagation
Birds absolutely love pokeweed berries. They feast on them and then spread the seeds everywhere through their droppings—which is how the plant travels so far and wide. However, this isn’t always a good thing, as it can quickly lead to unwanted “volunteers” taking over your flower beds.
Sowing Seeds
If you want to be more intentional about it, you can grow pokeweed from seed or by dividing existing plants. Since these seeds are “cold germinators,” they need a long period of chilly weather to break their dormancy. The easiest way to do this is to sow them in the fall so the winter cold can work its magic for a spring sprout. You can also sow them in very early spring while it’s still nippy outside.
If you prefer starting them in pots, you can begin in February. Start by placing the pot in a warm, semi-shaded spot. After two to four weeks, move it to a cold spot (like the fridge or a protected balcony) for 4-6 weeks to break that dormancy. You’re looking for temperatures between 25°F and 40°F (-4 to +4°C). After that, move the seedlings to a room that’s around 50°F (10°C). Once they’ve grown two pairs of true leaves, you can prick them out into individual pots and keep them on a sunny windowsill. By mid-May, your young plants are ready to head outdoors.
Division
The best time to divide pokeweed is in early spring before the new growth starts. Here’s how you do it:
- Use a garden fork to carefully lift the root ball out of the ground.
- Use a sharp spade to slice the root ball into two or more sections.
- Dig new planting holes in a bright, sunny spot.
- Give each section its own new home.
- Toss a little fresh compost into the hole before planting.
- Fill the hole back up and give your new pokeweed a good, long drink of water.
Preventing Unwanted Spread
Pokeweed is a bit of a wanderer and can quickly pop up all over your yard. To keep an unwanted takeover at bay, make sure to cut off the spent flowers immediately to stop seeds from forming. A quick safety tip: always wear gloves when handling this plant, as the toxins in the berries can cause skin irritation. If you spot any small “surprise” bushes growing where they shouldn’t be, it’s best to dig them up as soon as possible.
