Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Jumpseed can grow in most soil types as long as the area is moist and well-draining. Do not let water pool around the plant, but keep the soil damp. Water whenever the soil starts to dry out.

Fertilization

Repotting jumpseed every year with a fresh soil mix takes care of the plant’s fertilization needs. Garden plants thrive with regular fertilizer applications during the spring and summer. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage growth.

Soil

Chalky, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

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Jumpseed

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

Planting Time

Fall

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Questions About Jumpseed

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Jumpseed?

When watering the Jumpseed, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Jumpseed comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.

What should I do if I water my Jumpseed too much or too little?

Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Jumpseed, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Jumpseed, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Jumpseed have become brittle and brown.

It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Jumpseed. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Jumpseed grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Jumpseed is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.

How often should I water my Jumpseed?

If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Jumpseed needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.

If you grow your Jumpseed outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Jumpseed can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.

How much water does my Jumpseed need?

When it comes time to water your Jumpseed, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.

How should I water my Jumpseed at different growth stages?

The water needs of the Jumpseed can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Jumpseed is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Jumpseed will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Jumpseed will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Jumpseed more water at this time.

How should I water my Jumpseed through the seasons?

The Jumpseed will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Jumpseed will contract a disease.

What's the difference between watering my Jumpseed indoors and outdoors?

It is most common to grow the Jumpseed indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Jumpseed to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Jumpseed very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.

When should I prune my Jumpseed?

You can prune your Jumpseed any time you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season. Once you notice such a leave, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. You can cut its stem just above the soil’s surface to remove it. Such pruning can take place as needed during spring and summer. Also, this plant can bloom any time between spring and fall, and some gardeners choose to remove flower buds before they have a chance to open. Removing unopened flower buds allows this plant to focus most of its growing energy on its beautiful leaves. However, pruning in this manner does not necessarily influence the plant’s overall health. Cutting back should be done late in the winter to early spring. Ideally, you should wait until you see new basal growth before you cut off the dead and dried winter parts, to about 6 inches from the ground.

How can I prune my Jumpseed?

Pruning the Jumpseed is as easy as waiting until you notice dead or damaged leaves on your plant. When you recognize these leaves, equip yourself with a pair of sharp and sterile hand pruning shears. Hand pruning shears will work best as larger tools like loppers will not be well suited to the precise cuts you need to make. Once you have a proper set of pruning tools, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Cut the stem just above where it exits the soil to remove it entirely. If you wish to stop this plant from flowering, you can use the same pruning shears to remove any buds before they open. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head. Cutting back should be done late in the winter to early spring. Ideally, you should wait until you see new basal growth before you cut off the dead and dried winter parts to about 6 inches from the ground.

What should I do after pruning my Jumpseed?

All that is required of you once you have pruned your Jumpseed is to clean up. Once you have pruned, deadheaded, or cut back your Jumpseed, gather the bits you have cut off and discard them. If there are any diseased parts of the plant that you have pruned away, do not discard them with the rest of the pruned pieces. Diseased foliage should be disposed of. When watering after pruning, be careful not to touch the wound to prevent fungus from infecting the plant through the fresh wound. Placing Jumpseed in a well-ventilated location will also help the wound to dry out and heal in time.

Are there any tips for pruning my Jumpseed?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. As you are pruning your Jumpseed, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetricaly. It is recommended that gloves and safety glasses be worn while pruning Jumpseed.

Are there any instructions for pruning my Jumpseed?

Pruning is an important part of plant care and maintenance. Different plants have different pruning requirements. Some plants may need little to no pruning, while others may require more specific attention. Most plants should be pruned to remove damaged or unhealthy foliage. Other plants may be pruned to control their shape and size. Pruning may even be done to remove the flower heads of plants and stop them from self-seeding. Although some gardeners may find pruning a tedious task, it is a necessary evil and is an essential part of keeping your plants happy and healthy.

What type of sunlight does Jumpseed need?

Jumpseed needs full sun every day, and these plants rely on a minimum of six hours of sunlight to keep their leaves, roots, and blooms in a healthy state. Even though most perennials need six hours of sunlight a day, plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis could live off less sun for a minimum of three hours daily. Even though these perennial flowering plants can live with only three hours of direct sunlight, they won't be able to thrive like they would in sunnier conditions.

Can sunlight damage Jumpseed? How to protect Jumpseed from the sun and heat damage?

The few Perennial Flowering Plants that don't like excessive heat in warm climates might react poorly to too much sun if they have heat damage. These plants may wilt or dry out from too much sun and may also develop growth issues if they're regularly in the sun during the most intense heat of the day. Some plants don't need protection from the light afternoon sun, but those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure should be provided some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners could give these plants plenty of shade by planting them in spots that don't receive direct heat during the afternoon, like under trees or behind bushes.

Should I protect Jumpseed from sun exposure?

While many perennial plants need plenty of sun to bloom to their fullest extent, some of them benefit from less sun in warmer climates. For example, people who live in hotter climates might want to provide shade for their flowering perennials in the hot afternoon sun, and this is even more true for months in the summer.

Even though some perennial flowering plants will benefit from partially shaded in the hottest climates, plants like the Giant Coreopsis aren't intimidated by too much sun. They might sit outside in the full sun in hot weather and still thrive.

What will happen if Jumpseed gets inadequate sunlight?

If you're growing Jumpseed and you aren't getting enough sunlight, you'll notice signs of inadequate requirements in your plants. Most plants won't produce as many blooms as they would if they had full sun exposure. Some plants will develop dry spots on their leaves, but most of these plants will still bloom in the inadequate sun. Even though they bloom, the flowers will be smaller and less full.

Does Jumpseed need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Jumpseed is great flowers in gardens and will have optimum blooming if it gets six hours of sunlight a day minimum. Sometimes, flowers stay fresh longer if they're partially shaded during the really hot parts of the day. When Jumpseed is young, gardeners want to ensure their younger plants are getting plenty of sunlight but don't have to endure intense heat during the afternoon sunlight. If you have a fully mature plant, provide it with plenty of sun so it may keep up its growth properly.

How much light does Jumpseed need for photosynthesis?

Jumpseed will need a minimum of six hours of light to best support their photosynthesis cycles. These flowering plants need the sun to help their foliage and blooms grow. However, certain perennial flowering plants like the Giant Coreopsis might need anywhere from eight to twelve hours of full sun a day to maintain their large flowers and healthy foliage.

How much light should Jumpseed get per day to grow healthily?

If you want your Jumpseed to grow healthy and bloom as much as possible during its blooming season, you should try to give your plant six hours of direct sunlight. Some perennial plants might even do more sunlight and could sit in the sun for up to twelve hours, depending on the heat in the area and the general environment. Plants like the Red Hot Poker and Giant Coreopsis thrive in much hotter climates and might sit in all types of strong sunlight.

Some home gardeners have to use grow lights because their spaces don't allow for tons of outdoor sunlight. Most perennials could grow happily in grow lights, but they will need anywhere from eight to fourteen hours of artificial light to stay strong since these lights don't have as much power as the sun.

What is the optimal temperature for Jumpseed?

The best temperature for Jumpseed depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Jumpseed has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Jumpseed may be able to survive with some help.

During the warmer parts of the year, Jumpseed will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Jumpseed. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Jumpseed to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Jumpseed

If this is the first year of your Jumpseed outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Jumpseed, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Jumpseed inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to plant Jumpseed in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Jumpseed should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Jumpseed from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Jumpseed from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Jumpseed in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Jumpseed is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind.

For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Jumpseed to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Jumpseed

During the cold winter months, Jumpseed needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Jumpseed, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine.

An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Jumpseed. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Jumpseed will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

Why do I need to fertilize my Jumpseed?

The leaves of the Jumpseed comprise most of its main structure, and fertilization is one of the most impactful ways that you can ensure that those leaves look great while also serving their function. Proper fertilization will help your Jumpseed hold leaves with consistent color and a healthy texture.

Fertilization also works below the soil's surface to help your Jumpseed generate new roots and maintain the roots that are already part of the root system. This means that fertilization will not just keep your plant healthy now, but it will also help your plant be better capable of absorbing soil nutrients in the future.

When is the best time to fertilize my Jumpseed?

If you grow your Jumpseed outdoors each year, this perennial plant will send new growth shooting out in early spring. The emergence of those leaves is a sign that the time is right to begin fertilization for the year.

Often, a Jumpseed will perform just fine with a single application of fertilizer when the spring arrives. However, if you wish to maximize the growth of your Jumpseed, you can repeat the feeding multiple times throughout the spring and early summer. If you choose this route, you can feed your Jumpseed about once every month to a month and a half.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Jumpseed?

In the late fall and winter, your Jumpseed will enter a dormant phase in which it will no longer produce new growth. At this time, you should avoid fertilizing your Jumpseed. If you choose to fertilize multiple times during spring and summer, you should begin reducing your fertilization rate as summer approaches, as your Jumpseed 's growth rate will also slow.

Overall, it is never a wise choice to fertilize your Jumpseed during times when the weather is unseasonably hot or when the soil is extraordinarily dry. Fertilizing in either of those cases can stress your Jumpseed and cause it to perish prematurely.

What type of fertilizer does my Jumpseed need?

Fortunately, choosing the best fertilizer for a Jumpseed is a very straightforward task. These plants will thrive on a general-purpose garden fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar will be very effective. When in doubt, be sure to avoid fertilizers that have high amounts of nitrogen.

Most of the best fertilizer for a Jumpseed will come in a granular form. These fertilizers should be slow-release and will be very easy to apply to the soil. It can also be helpful to feed your Jumpseed using an organic soil amendment such as compost.

How do I fertilize my Jumpseed?

Wait until your Jumpseed has just barely poked its first leaves through the soil's surface in early spring. Once you see that sign, apply a granular slow-release fertilizer with a balanced formula to the soil that surrounds the base of your Jumpseed.

You can repeat a similar process later in the season if you choose. When reapplying fertilizer to a Jumpseed, you should, again, apply the fertilizer to the soil at the base of the plant rather than to the plant itself. At times, this may require you to move some leaves out of the way to access the soil above the roots. It's also often a good choice to water your Jumpseed before and after you feed it.

What happens if I fertilize my Jumpseed too much?

The Jumpseed doesn't necessarily need to receive high volumes of fertilizer each year, which means overfertilization is entirely possible. If you overfertilize your Jumpseed, you will likely notice first that the leaves have turned brown.

Overfertilization of Jumpseed is especially common if you use a fertilizer that has higher concentrations of nitrogen. High nitrogen content will likely cause the leaves of your Jumpseed to become discolored, lose much of their moisture, and begin curling at the margins. Many gardeners avoid such complications by limiting fertilization of their Jumpseed to once per year in early spring.

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More About How-Tos

Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

North

Jumpseed complements North facing spaces in Feng Shui practice, due to its resilient energy and adaptability mirroring the agile properties of water, a primary element of the North direction. Though, individual experiences may vary, respecting the subjective nature of Feng Shui.

Water

Every week

Lighting

Full sun

Jumpseed favors strong, steady light exposure for optimal growth. It can also withstand moderate light scenarios, though it may not grow as vigorously. Originating from areas with abundant sun exposure, this plant thrives in similar conditions. Insufficient sunlight may lead to weak, spindly growth while excessive exposure could cause leaf burn.

Temperature

0 41 ℃

Jumpseed is native to environments where the average temperature ranges between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It thrives in climates reflecting this range year-round, however, implementing shade during hotter periods could help it adapt.

Transplant

1-2 feet

The ideal time to transplant jumpseed is during S1, typically in the cool, early spring when the plant is dormant, enhancing growth and survival chances. Jumpseed flourishes best in partial to full shade, and moist, well-drained soil. When transplanting, gently handle the root-ball to avoid damage, ensuring a successful transition.

Blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) is a perennial evergreen tree that can grow to 40 m tall. It is a tropical tree with fragrant clusters of showy white flowers that bloom in fall. The perfume-like scent of the blossoms is more obvious during the evenings. Most often planted as a street tree. Another common name for this tree is Devil’s tree.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Jumpseed based on 10 million real cases

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

Leaf miners

Leaf miners scar the leaves with curved white streaks or rounded white spots with brown centers.

Solutions: Leaf miners, although relatively harmless at first, can quickly multiply and devastate your plants in the coming weeks. For severe cases: Spray an organic insecticide. For an organic solution, spray a diluted mixture of azadirachtin, a compound derived from neem seeds, above and below leaves. Spray a synthetic insecticide. Spray a product that contains spinosad, such as Entrust, making sure to cover all sides of the leaves. Introduce beneficial insects. Introduce beneficial insects that eat leaf miners, such as parasitic wasps or Syrphid flies. For less severe cases: Prune infected tissue. Remove and dispose of leaves that have any sign of leaf miner damage.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

Solutions: Sap-sucking insects can be hard to spot, as they are often small and attach to the undersides of plant leaves. If you see signs of an infestation, follow these steps to eradicate it. Hand-pick bugs and remove eggs: Inspect your plants for insects and drop any you find in a container of soapy water. Look carefully at the undersides of plant leaves and squish any egg clusters you find. Use Insecticide: Targeted spraying can take out sap-sucking insects. Small infestations can be controlled with insecticidal soap, though larger outbreaks might require a stronger spray. Introduce natural predators: Many insects, including ladybugs and praying mantises, love to feast on sap-suckers. You can purchase them at garden stores and release them near infected plants, or encourage wild ones by creating habitat space.

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Weed Control

Weeds

It is an unwanted plant because it competes with other valuable or cultivated plants.

How to Control it

Once the weeds start to flower and fructify, it will be difficult to control them effectively. In fact, the best time to remove weeds is before flowering and fructification because the seeds will spread rapidly after that. So, it is necessary to remove weeds more often and to take precautions in advance next year. Mulching: During the seed stage, covering with sawdust, straws or black mulches to effectively inhibit seed germination and the growth of the seedling. Generally, this method is used in winter or spring to inhibit the germination of weed in the soil. If the weeds have already flowered and fructified, this method can be used to isolate the seeds and the soil to prevent the seeds from falling into the soil. Pulling out: Before the weeds fructify, wear gloves or use tools to pull them out. If it is difficult to pull out weed due to dry soil, adding water to the soil helps to make it easy to remove the roots thoroughly. After pulling out the weed, deep tillage can be adopted to remove the residual roots. This method is especially effective for weeds that are in the seedling stage or low growing size. Pruning: Pruning weeds before they fructify can effectively control the propagation of weeds, especially for annual weeds. Frequent pruning can inhibit the growth and fructification of weeds and effectively them in the same year. Plowing: Before cultivation, plow the soil, collect and discard the roots of perennial weeds, then expose them to the sun or bury them deeply. It can also be used for retting organic fertilizer and composting. Chemical control: Using appropriate herbicides can effectively remove the weed from the area. Note: When removing weeds, it is necessary to wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the weeds, especially for the ones that are poisonous, thorny and allergenic. When removing weeds at the flowering stage, special masks should be worn to prevent allergic reactions caused by the inhalation of pollen.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Riverbanks, woods, cliffs, rocks, medium to moist soil

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

White

Pink

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Variegated

Name story

Jumpseed

It is unusual as a shade-tolerant member to be classified in the most sun-loving genus. Jumpseed is a perennial named from its seeds which can "jump" several feet when a ripe seedpod is disturbed.

Symbolism

Restoration

Usages

Garden Use

Though rarely used in gardens, jumpseed has its perks. It is easy to care for, adds a naturalistic appearance to garden beds as a border, and makes for a great accent to taller, more vibrant plants. Typically, when jumpseed is cultivated, it is in cottage or woodland gardens.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Buckwheat

Genus

Persicaria

Species

Jumpseed

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Useful Tips

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Jumpseed can grow in most soil types as long as the area is moist and well-draining. Do not let water pool around the plant, but keep the soil damp. Water whenever the soil starts to dry out.

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Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Golden pothos See More The Golden pothos is a popular flowering house plant that’s commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including “devil’s ivy,” because it is so hard to kill, and can grow in the dark. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, soContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

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Jumpseed

Persicaria virginiana

Also known as: Virginia knotweed

Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana) is a native North American plant related to buckwheat. Its common name jumpseed comes from the fact that the seeds appear to jump when a fully ripe seedpod is disrupted. It can be found throughout most of the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada.

Planting Time

Fall

Care Guide for Jumpseed

Water

Fertilization

Soil

Chalky, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

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Questions About Jumpseed

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Jumpseed?

What should I do if I water my Jumpseed too much or too little?

How often should I water my Jumpseed?

How much water does my Jumpseed need?

How should I water my Jumpseed at different growth stages?

How should I water my Jumpseed through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Jumpseed indoors and outdoors?

When should I prune my Jumpseed?

How can I prune my Jumpseed?

What should I do after pruning my Jumpseed?

Are there any tips for pruning my Jumpseed?

Are there any instructions for pruning my Jumpseed?

What type of sunlight does Jumpseed need?

Can sunlight damage Jumpseed? How to protect Jumpseed from the sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Jumpseed from sun exposure?

What will happen if Jumpseed gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Jumpseed need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Jumpseed need for photosynthesis?

How much light should Jumpseed get per day to grow healthily?

What is the optimal temperature for Jumpseed?

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Jumpseed

How can I protect Jumpseed from extreme temperatures?

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Jumpseed

Why do I need to fertilize my Jumpseed?

When is the best time to fertilize my Jumpseed?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Jumpseed?

What type of fertilizer does my Jumpseed need?

How do I fertilize my Jumpseed?

What happens if I fertilize my Jumpseed too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Jumpseed based on 10 million real cases

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

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Leaf miners

Leaf miners scar the leaves with curved white streaks or rounded white spots with brown centers.

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Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

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Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

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Weed Control

Weeds

It is an unwanted plant because it competes with other valuable or cultivated plants.

How to Control it

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Riverbanks, woods, cliffs, rocks, medium to moist soil

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

White

Pink

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Variegated

Name story

Jumpseed

It is unusual as a shade-tolerant member to be classified in the most sun-loving genus. Jumpseed is a perennial named from its seeds which can "jump" several feet when a ripe seedpod is disturbed.

Symbolism

Restoration

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Buckwheat

Genus

Persicaria

Species

Jumpseed

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Most Common Herb

Most Common Herb