Also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit · 736 saves

Arisaema

Arisaema, the genus most gardeners know as jack-in-the-pulpit. We track 60 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.

60 varieties13 speciesZones 4–10Shade friendly

The 24 most-saved Arisaema varieties

See all 60 Arisaema varieties →Search this genus →

13 species of Arisaema

Each one is a parent of the varieties above.

Track your Arisaema in Sow

Save the Arisaema you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.

How to grow Arisaema

Whats common across all Arisaema varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.

The Arisaema year

  • MulchMarch, October and November98% of varieties

    Apply thick layer of leaf mold or compost to maintain cool, moist soil

  • PlantMarch, September and October98% of varieties

    Plant dormant tubers 4-6 inches deep in early spring

  • FertilizeMarch95% of varieties

    Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost as growth begins

  • Spring CleanupFebruary60% of varieties

    Clear away old leaf litter before new shoots emerge

  • DivideAugust and September57% of varieties

    Divide tubers every 3-5 years when dormant in late summer

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
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

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 and distorted leavesApply insecticidal soap or neem oil
SlugsLeaves chewed or slimy trailsUse organic slug bait or handpick during damp evenings
Root rotWilting and blackened rootsImprove drainage and reduce watering
SlugHoles in leavesUse organic slug bait or handpick slugs at night
Root rotWilting and yellowing leavesEnsure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
Leaf spotSpotted, yellowing leavesRemove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation
Fungal rotSoft, decayed roots or tubersApply fungicide and improve air circulation

Making more Arisaema

Division

  1. Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
  2. Separate offsets with a sharp knife.
  3. Replant immediately in shaded moist soil.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting.
  5. Allow 6 weeks for establishment.

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 736 real gardeners — 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