Red Devil's Claw / Doubleclaw is a Southwestern desert and dry shrubland plant that forms long hooked pods used in basketweaving. White seeded. Flowes are cream colored with yellow nector guides and purple lobes. Seeds are certified organic.
Red Devil's Claw / Doubleclaw is a Southwestern desert and dry shrubland plant that forms long hooked pods used in basketweaving. White seeded. Flowes are cream colored with yellow nector guides and purple lobes. Seeds are certified organic.
Starting Devil’s Claw seed is relatively easy, but note that germination rates depend upon how the seeds are treated prior to planting. When simply planted in their outer black, rough shell, expect germination to be sporadic. However, the seed shell can also peeled back to increase germination rate. Think of how a sunflower seed has an inner kernel. It’s the same for devil’s claw. Do-so carefully, without damaging the seed.
In Southern California (Zone 9b) we started our seed in early May. That works fine for a climate with a mild fall, but you could certainly seed devil’s claw earlier if you are concerned about cold fall/winter temperatures killing plants before you get any substantial yield.
Plants are not picky about soil type or fertility, although if growing for edible use, a standard vegetable fertilizer and soil type can be helpful with pod production. If growing for immature pods, harvest when they are young, green, and tender. Plants have an acrid smell and the foliage and pods oily, so handle with care later on. It isn’t caustic, it just smells not so good.
As plants become established they become extremely hardy and fast growing. Consider limiting waterings, as they form considerable mats - anecdotally, I’ve read of plants that form 30 foot wide areas!
Pods are mature when they shed their outer husks. Use a garden pruner and gloves to harvest.
There is a wonderful body of free literature that focus Devil’s Claw and its uses; here are a few that I’ve found useful:
