Blue Monkshood Seeds (Aconitum napellus) | Wolfsbane

Add upright spikes of dark violet-blue flowers to an ornamental border with monkshood, Aconitum napellus. Also called aconite or wolfsbane, this perennial pairs hood-shaped blooms with deeply cut foliage for a striking summer display. Plant it in a dedicated ornamental area where its flowers can be enjoyed safely.

Important Safety Warning

All parts of Aconitum, including seeds and roots, are highly poisonous. Do not ingest. Avoid skin contact and wear protective gloves when handling seeds or plants. Keep away from children and pets. Never grow alongside herbs or other crops intended for consumption, or where it might be mistaken for an edible plant. For ornamental use only.

Plant Highlights

• Botanical name: Aconitum napellus.
• Plant type: Upright flowering perennial.
• Flower color: Dark violet-blue.
• Bloom season: Midsummer to early fall, depending on growing conditions.
• Listed mature height: Approximately 36–48 inches.
• Listed hardiness: USDA zones 3–8.
• Foliage: Deeply divided, blue-green leaves.

Starting Monkshood from Seed

1. Sow outdoors in late fall or early winter in a protected, clearly labeled container or seed bed so seeds experience seasonal cold.
2. Cover seeds lightly and keep the growing medium moist, but not waterlogged.
3. For indoor starting, use a moist cold-stratification method appropriate to the seed lot before sowing in starter trays.
4. Allow extra time for germination, which may be irregular. Do not rely on a fixed emergence date.
5. Gradually acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting when conditions are suitable.

Planting & Care

• Choose a site with rich, humus-containing soil that drains well while retaining consistent moisture.
• The existing growing specifications list full sun; avoid allowing the soil to dry out.
• Space plants approximately 24–30 inches apart.
• Provide support if tall stems need it, especially in exposed locations.
• Wear gloves for planting, pruning and cleanup. Keep discarded plant material away from children and pets.

Seed Packet Options

Choose a 20-, 50-, 200- or 1,000-seed packet. This listing is for seeds, not live plants. Options select seed quantity, not flower color. Growth and flowering vary with climate and growing conditions.