Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koidzumi)Seeds?

ASHITABA
(Tomorrow's Leaf) (Angelica keiskei koidzumi)
Family: Apiaceae
Hardiness: To 20 degrees F.
Rare. Native to coastal Japan. The nutritional and health benefits of this high chlorophyll plant are extensive, and ashitaba is unique among the Angelicas due to its edibility and the presence of substantial levels of B12, a vitamin normally not found in terrestrial plants. The plant contains flavonoids known as "chalcones" in its yellow sap. Traditionally, the herb has been used as a rejuvenating food that contributes to long life. Currently, the herb is considered effective in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal system, hepatitis, cancer, anemia, chronic fatigue, etc. In-vivo tests of chalcones have shown strong antibiotic activity against staphylococcus.
Plant prefers maritime conditions although it can be grown in cultivation in moist beds in the full sun to part shade. Sow in the fall for germination in the spring. I saw these growing successfully near Huize in Yunnan Province, China. The plants were loaded with the yellow resin. Light dependent germinator. Short-lived seed. 20 seeds per packet, organic

Note on germination requirements of this seed: Our experiments showed a 60 day germination period in cold soils. We sowed the seed in outdoor flats on December second and first noted germination on February second. I took a photo of one of the seedlings as an example of the efficacy of surface sowing in cold soils.

Notes on germination provided by Professor Hang of the Yunnan Agricultural Institute. Professor Hang is one of the more experienced growers:
Soak seeds overnight in water and then refrigerate (40 degrees F) in moist medium for 30 days. Then plant in cool, moist conditions and expect germination in 15 days. Seedlings are slow-growing and will require about 60 days to transplant. The flowering cycle is biennial and the plants are monocarpic.

The first picture is of the ashitaba seedling. The second picture is of the severed petiole, with the yellowish chalcones exuding.
NOTE: No replacements on Ashitaba seed!

Note: We've been eating the fresh ashitaba stems and they are tastier than other angelicas and more easily consumed/digestible. They give an immediate elevation of health--its a bit hard to explain--but it really appears that anything that ails you is mitigated almost immediately by ingestion of this plant. We're quite excited about it. As with most things botanical, in growing this plant, we have learned to be patient--it takes awhile to get used to the specific requirements of the plant. Yesterday I weeded the ones in the field and composted them with old manure. This morning no frost, and they look very happy. They tend to drop off an old leaf at the same time as they push a new one up out of the crown. I've seen a lot of species that do this (e.g. Rheum). Nature spirits willing, we're looking at a harvest of fresh, organic seed in early summer 2009. Stay tuned. Richo