Phytolacca acinosa
Phytolacca acinosa · Phytolaccaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant phytolacca acinosa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Indian Pokeweed
- Family
- Phytolaccaceae
- Form
- Perennial or annual herb depending on climate
- Adult size
- 60 to 150 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, dark green, large and lanceolate leaves
- Flowering
- July to October, small white flowers in clusters
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, grown as annual in temperate climate
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical Asia
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period to keep the soil lightly moist. Reduce watering during mild winters or if you're growing the plant as an annual. Avoid complete drying out and excessive water that would promote root rot.
Light exposure
Place the plant in a sunny or partially shaded location for optimal growth. It tolerates partial shade but fruits better with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Protect it from strong cold winds in temperate climates.
Soil
Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Prepare the bed with compost or potting soil before planting. Neutral to slightly acidic pH suits its development perfectly.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. Fertilizing every two weeks during the growing season promotes vigorous foliage and better flowering. Moderate nitrogen input to avoid overloading the plant.
Pruning and cleanup
No strict pruning is necessary. Remove dead or damaged stems and faded flowers to encourage better branching. At the end of the season, cut the plant back to ground level if it has lost its ornamental appearance.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy against common pests and diseases. Watch for possible spider mite attacks in very dry and hot conditions. Excess humidity can promote fungal problems; improve air circulation and reduce watering if symptoms appear.
Did you know?
Indian Pokeweed, also known as Indian grape, produces shiny black berries at the end of the season that are very ornamental but toxic: they should never be eaten. This plant was long used in traditional Asian medicine, although its use requires great caution. It has naturalized in several temperate regions after its introduction as a botanical curiosity in the 19th century.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- PokeweedPhytolacca americana
- RougeplantRivina humilis
- Tropical pokeweedPhytolacca icosandra
- Guinea henweedPetiveria alliacea
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.