I grew astragalus (
astragalus membranaceus from Richters) from seed without inoculation. As I remember the seeds germinated fine in a flat and then transplanted to small pots, I think I tried a little sandpaper on a handful of seeds and that might have helped. I planted andrographis at the same time so I'm not sure which I did that too but it was whatever the packet said...
I have two big pots full of wintered over plants outside (two years) big tall plants and they are flowering now. All of the small plants that I set out to make it on their own did not survive. I didn't have any luck planting seed straight into the ground either.
I plan to plant these in the ground now that they are bigger.
I'm hoping for some seed from these before a freeze...I think there's time.
I'll check out the nodules when I transplant.....good luck with yours, it's a great herb
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