Also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit · 638 gardener saves

Arisaema: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Arisaema, the genus most gardeners know as jack-in-the-pulpit. We track 60 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

60 varietiesZones 4–10Shade friendly

The 12 most-saved Arisaema varieties

Of 60 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 60 Arisaema varieties →

How to grow Arisaema

What the Arisaema varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Arisaema year

  • MulchMarch, October and November98% of varieties

    Apply leaf mold or compost mulch to retain moisture and enrich soil

  • PlantMarch, September and October98% of varieties

    Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep in rich, shady soil

  • FertilizeMarch95% of varieties

    Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea as growth begins

  • Spring CleanupFebruary60% of varieties

    Clear away old leaves and debris before new growth starts

  • DivideAugust and September57% of varieties

    Divide offsets from the main tuber every 4-5 years when dormant

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Apply mulch to conserve moisture
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
  • Keep soil consistently moist 🌱

Avoid

  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
  • Avoid waterlogging soil ❌

What goes wrong with Arisaema

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue on foliageSpray with insecticidal soap
SlugsChewed foliage and damaged tubersUse organic slug bait or handpick slugs at night
Root rotWilting and yellowing leavesEnsure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
SlugHoles in leavesUse organic slug bait or handpick slugs at night
Root rotWilting and browning of foliageImprove drainage and reduce watering
Leaf spotSpotted, yellowing leavesRemove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation
Fungal leaf spotBrown patches on leavesApply organic fungicide and improve air circulation

Making more Arisaema

Division

  1. Divide clumps in early spring during dormancy
  2. Plant divisions at same depth as parent for best results

Seed

  1. Collect seeds after seed pods mature in late spring
  2. Sow seeds in moist, well-draining soil
  3. Cover lightly with soil and keep moist
  4. Keep in a shaded location
  5. Germination may take several weeks

Arisaema questions

How many types of Arisaema are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 60 distinct Arisaema varieties. The most popular — ranked by 638 real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Arisaema grow in?

Across its varieties, Arisaema covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Arisaema bloom?

Most Arisaema varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Arisaema should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Arisaema in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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