Aconitum napellus

MONK’S HOOD

Aconitum napellus
MONK’S HOOD

Aconitum napellus has exquisite indigo blue hooded flowers held in delphinium like spires from late summer and autumn.
Plus deeply incised dark, glossy foliage.

Exquisite indigo blue spires

Spires of flowers tower up to 1.2m. on long, strong, straight stems, so it is a wonderful cut flower. Though do be aware to wear gloves when handling.

Easy & spectacular

Plant Aconitum napellus in part shade to sunny positions.
And it enjoys well drained, humus rich soil, with some moisture over the warmer months.
One of the easiest and most spectacular flowers you can grow in the garden.

Glorious autumn flower & foliage colour

The foliage has vivid autumn colours too while it still has autumn flowers atop.
So Aconitum napellus is one of the glories of autumn.

Long lived perennial

Aconitum napellus is a very long lived perennial clump and will be with you for decades.
So just cut it back to the ground at the end of autumn (dont forget the gloves), ready for new growth to come on in spring.
1.2m. High flower towers x 60cm. wide clump of decorative foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in winter or early spring / or sown in punnets indoors at any time for earlier plants.
Wear gloves when handling the seed.
Though there is little risk from the seed, but it is wise to treat all parts of Aconitum with respect.

Sow indoors for quick plants: First sow the seed in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Now cover to 5cm depth with sieved seed mix or vermiculite.

Then thoroughly moisten by standing the punnet in a shallow water bath.
And allow the water to percolate up to the surface of the mix from the bottom.
This will ensure the mix is thoroughly moist but not drenched.

Label the punnet with the name and date sown.

For best germination

First keep moist in a well lit position at a temperature of approx. 25C for 14 days.
And the punnet can be kept moist by misting from a spray water bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic cover, plastic bag, or glass will help retain consistent moisture and prevent drying out.

Give a period of chilling

Now the seeds need a period of chilling (a pretend winter) – so wrap the sown, moist punnet in cling-wrap and place in fridge (not freezer) for 21 days.

Then take out, unwrap punnet, and keep moist in approx. 25C, in a well lit position.

Seeds need good light to sprout, but the punnet should not be in any direct sunlight.
Seeds germinate in approx. 30 days.

Or sow seeds directly in garden in autumn/winter and leave to get the required chilling from nature to occur over winter before germinating in the spring.

Care when handling plants: All parts of Aconitum plants should be carefully handled, including the roots.
Always wear gloves when cutting stems or roots. Avoid getting the sap on your skin or in your eyes. Do not consume. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Seed Count: Minimum 20 seeds per packet approximately.
(We aim to exceed the stated count, and give a generous serve)

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