Hoary Plantain

Hoary Plantain — variety description

Hoary Plantain (Plantago media) is a perennial herb of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Ribwort plantain is quite adaptable to most soils; it is very well suited to chalky soils in places with plenty of sunlight.

This is a low-growing species, with spikes of pale pink flowers that appear from May to September.

Plantain is a medicinal herb for coughs and wounds; psyllium gives fibre-rich seeds.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 86%
• Seeds per packet: 680–920 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February and March; direct
• Flowering: May – September
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Hoary Plantain

Hoary Plantain seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from May to September. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Hoary Plantain

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Seeds of ribwort plantain should be sown in spring or autumn, either outdoors where they are to flower, or in seed trays and lightly covered with compost. Seedlings can be pricked out and grown on later in the year. Barely cover the seeds and keep them evenly moist until germination. Later thin to about 30 cm. apart in rows 60 cm apart. apart. The plant has a simple structure and is easily recognisable. It reaches about 12 cm in height. It loves open spaces and tolerates a wide range of soil types.

Undemanding as to soil.

Harvest and use

The leaves are picked before and during flowering.

Frequently asked questions

When should Hoary Plantain be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 680–920 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 86%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.