Growing Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea) from Seed

Devil’s claw (Proboscidea louisianica), also called unicorn plant, produces intriguing hooked seed pods. A Georgia gardener asked about seed maturity, bird predation, and overwintering.

Seed Maturity and Harvest

Wait until pods turn tan and become stiff but before they split open. The seeds inside are mature at that stage. To catch seeds if pods open unexpectedly, tie a small mesh bag around them. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in fall (they overwinter in Georgia) or started indoors in spring for transplant.

Birds and Wildlife

Birds may or may not eat the seeds—wildlife behavior is unpredictable. To hedge your bets, sow some seeds outdoors in fall and save others for spring planting in pots or flats.

Germination Challenges

Devil’s claw seeds have deep dormancy. Some gardeners scarify (lightly sand) the seed coat, others try cold stratification (freezer storage), but results vary. The plant may need specific microbial cues or even passage through an animal’s digestive tract. Experiment with different methods and record what works.

For a fascinating native annual with unique pods, devil’s claw is worth the effort—just be patient and persistent.