{"product_id":"chocolate-lily","title":"Chocolate Lily","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"1001\" class=\"\"\u003eChocolate Lily is a striking BC native plant prized for its unusual, nodding brown to deep purple bell-shaped flowers with a speckled appearance that gives it its common name. Found in moist coastal meadows, this perennial bulb produces upright stems with whorled leaves and blossoms that emerge in mid to late spring. Beneath the soil, it forms clusters of small edible bulblets that resemble grains of rice and were traditionally harvested as a food source. A superb plant for ecological restoration, native landscaping, and cultural gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1321\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Chocolate Lily?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003eChocolate Lily thrives in Zones 4–9 in moist, well-drained soils with full sun to part shade. Ideal for meadows, woodland edges, or native habitat gardens. It benefits from seasonal moisture and can also be grown in containers if kept cool and moist through the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1770\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1354\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1357\"\u003eA culturally significant food plant for many Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, Chocolate Lily (also known as rice root or Indian rice) was traditionally harvested for its nutritious bulblets. Harvest was often managed with digging sticks and practiced in designated root gardens, with care taken to replant small bulbs to ensure regeneration. The flowers also attract native bees and other pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"2109\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"1801\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1818\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant bulbs or cold-stratified seed in moist meadows or naturalised beds in fall.\u003cbr data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1917\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow stratified seed in fall or start indoors with cool, moist conditions; transplant in spring.\u003cbr data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2016\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2027\"\u003eZone 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide mulch protection and ensure consistent moisture to support establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"2109\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2559\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2153\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Chocolate Lily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2156\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2169\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seed in fall or after stratification. Bulbs can be planted 5–8cm deep in fall.\u003cbr data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2255\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2255\" data-end=\"2268\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil moist in spring and early summer; reduce watering after flowering.\u003cbr data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2348\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2348\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow bulblets to mature for several years before gently harvesting in fall.\u003cbr data-start=\"2440\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2459\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal—divide bulbs every few years if desired and allow seed heads to drop for natural reseeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2926\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2599\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2602\" data-end=\"2620\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest seed capsules once dry and brown in late summer.\u003cbr data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2680\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2696\"\u003eClean Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Separate seeds from chaff and allow to air dry thoroughly.\u003cbr data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2758\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2776\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in paper envelopes in a cool, dry place.\u003cbr data-start=\"2823\" data-end=\"2826\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2840\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best germination occurs after cold stratification; seeds remain viable for 1–2 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"3007\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2955\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"3007\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811203461362,"sku":"MF-NATIVE-035","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/ChocolateLily2.webp?v=1772481919","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/chocolate-lily","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}