{"product_id":"camas","title":"Common camas seeds (Camassia quamash)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a mix of camas, including common camas (\u003cem\u003eCamassia quamash\u003c\/em\u003e) and great camas. These two perennials, native to the Pacific Northwest, are valued for their magnificent purplish-blue flower spikes as well as their rich cultural history. Hardy and elegant, they fit perfectly into naturalized meadows or landscaped gardens, providing color and ecological benefits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe edible bulbs, rich in inulin, have been an important food source for over 5,000 years. They were cultivated by First Nations in British Columbia and elsewhere. Although camas takes 4 to 6 years to fully establish, its longevity and beauty make it a plant well worth the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Grow Camas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCamas grows well in zones 3 to 8, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. It is ideal for naturalized meadows, woodland edges, or flower beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCamas holds an important place in the culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, who actively managed camas prairies as an essential food source. The bulbs were traditionally cooked slowly or in pit ovens to convert inulin into digestible sugars, creating a nutritious and sustainable food. Today, camas is recognized for its beauty, historical importance, and ecological role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation for Canadian Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese plants are native to Western Canada, but can be grown in the following zones:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 8: Sow in fall for natural stratification, or start indoors and transplant.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Sow outdoors in fall or early spring.\u003cbr\u003eZones 3–4: Sow in fall with heavy mulching or start indoors to ensure germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Camas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 cm (0.5 in) deep, spaced 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart, in well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, without overwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatience:\u003c\/strong\u003e Camas takes 4 to 6 years to mature, but its flowers and bulbs will richly reward your patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBulbs should be harvested after flowering, when the foliage has completely dried.\u003cbr\u003eAlways cook bulbs thoroughly before consumption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Harvesting Seeds for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet go to seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep a few flower stalks to mature and form seed pods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed harvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest pods when they turn brown and dry, before they open naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and cleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extract seeds from pods and spread them on a cloth to dry completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place. Seeds remain viable for up to 2 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)**\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53642154180976,"sku":"MF-NATIVE-004","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Camas_144e14e7-563e-43f4-b457-e484ae4bd86f.jpg?v=1776487888","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-southamerica\/products\/camas","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}