Lion's Foot

What you'll need:

Lion's Foot seeds (you can find them at specialty garden stores or online)

A pot or a patch of soil in your garden

Well-draining soil (mix some sand into regular potting soil if it feels too dense)

A small amount of compost or organic matter to enrich the soil

Watering can or spray bottle

When to start:

Lion's Foot is best planted in early spring or fall. These plants are pretty hardy, so they can handle cooler temperatures, but avoid planting them during frost or extreme heat.

Finding a good spot:

Lion's Foot loves partial shade, meaning it likes a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. If you're planting in your yard, choose a spot under a tree or near a structure that provides dappled sunlight. If you're using pots, place them where they get morning sun and afternoon shade.

Tip: If you're unsure about your soil type, adding a bit of compost will help provide nutrients as the plant gets established.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil—don’t bury them too deep, just lightly press them into the surface.
3. Lightly mist the soil with water to keep it damp but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pot or tray in a shady spot, like under a tree or on a shaded windowsill.
5. Seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks. Be patient!
6. Once the seedlings grow a couple of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden.

If you’re planting outdoors:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, about twice the size of the root ball if you’re using young plants.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil.
3. Lightly press the soil around the base of the plant to secure it.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

Tip: Lion’s Foot doesn’t like being moved around too much once it’s settled, so try to pick its final spot carefully!

Watering:

• Keep the soil moist but don’t overwater. Aim for watering every 2-3 days, depending on how dry the soil feels.
• During hot spells, check the soil daily—Lion’s Foot prefers slightly damp conditions but doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil.

Sunlight Needs:

• This plant enjoys partial shade, so make sure it gets some sun but also has protection from harsh afternoon rays.
• If you notice the leaves looking scorched or droopy, it might be getting too much direct sunlight.

Feeding:

• You don’t need to fertilize Lion’s Foot often. Adding a little compost around the base every few months will give it enough nutrients.
• Avoid heavy fertilizers; this plant is low-maintenance and doesn’t need much extra food.

Pruning:

• Trim off any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
• Pruning encourages new growth, especially after flowering.

Tip: If you see flowers forming, you can let them bloom if you want to enjoy the plant’s natural beauty—or snip them off to encourage more leaf growth.

When to harvest:

• Lion’s Foot is primarily grown for its attractive foliage rather than fruit or flowers, but you can still harvest its leaves when they’re mature.
• The best time to pick leaves is in late spring through summer, when the plant is actively growing.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to gently snip or pinch off the outer leaves. Always leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
• Harvest in the morning when the plant is most hydrated.

Using your harvest:

• Although Lion’s Foot isn’t commonly used in modern cooking, historically, Native Americans used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. If you're interested in exploring this, consult an expert before trying anything yourself!

Storage:

• Fresh leaves can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days.
• If you want to dry the leaves for later use, hang them upside down in a cool, dark place until completely dry.

Q: Why are my Lion’s Foot leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean the plant is either getting too much water or not enough. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, cut back on watering; if it’s bone dry, water more frequently.

Q: Can Lion’s Foot survive winter?

A: Yes, Lion’s Foot is quite cold-hardy, but if you live in a region with very harsh winters, consider mulching around the base of the plant to protect the roots.

Q: My Lion’s Foot isn’t growing much. What should I do?

A: Make sure it’s getting enough light (but not too much direct sun) and that the soil is well-draining. Also, ensure you’re not overwatering. Sometimes plants just take their time to establish, so patience is key.

Q: Does Lion’s Foot attract pests?

A: Generally, no. This plant is fairly resistant to pests, but slugs or snails might nibble on the leaves. If you spot these critters, remove them by hand or use natural deterrents like crushed eggshells around the base of the plant.

Q: Can I grow Lion’s Foot indoors?

A: It’s possible, but Lion’s Foot prefers outdoor conditions with fresh air and natural light. If you want to try indoors, place it near a window with filtered light and ensure good air circulation.