Also known as Fumewort · 323 saves
Corydalis
Corydalis, the genus most gardeners know as fumewort. We track 14 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Corydalis varieties
Browse all 14 Corydalis varieties →
2 species of Corydalis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Corydalis in Sow
Save the Corydalis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Corydalis
Whats common across all Corydalis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them.
The Corydalis year
- Spring CleanupFebruary71% of varieties
Clear away old debris before new shoots emerge
- PlantMarch, September and October57% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in rich, well-drained, shaded soil
- MulchMarch and April50% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost to keep roots cool and moist
- DivideAugust and September50% of varieties
Divide clumps every few years when the plant is dormant
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply organic compost annually for healthy growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing which can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Corydalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Provide sharp drainage in shade; problems here are rare |
Making more Corydalis
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall, carefully separating roots and replanting immediately.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, taking 4-6 weeks for germination.
Corydalis questions
How many types of Corydalis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Corydalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 323 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Corydalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Corydalis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Corydalis bloom?
Most Corydalis varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Corydalis 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.