Marsh Bedstraw

Marsh Bedstraw: variety and characteristics

Marsh Bedstraw (Galium verum) is a perennial herb of the Madder family (Rubiaceae). The marsh bedstraw is taller and can be recognised by the lack of a point at the leaf tip.

The stems are straight and reach a height of 60–120 centimetres, and often root easily where they touch the ground. Their edges are covered with fine hairs.

The herb's main actions are linked to its rich content of: the trioxyanthraquinone glycoside galiosin, as well as the glycosides rubiadin and asperuloside.

The diuretic action of bedstraw is linked to the presence of silicic acid, as well as to the presence of some pigments, which also explains its weak antimicrobial action.

The plant has strongly pronounced detoxifying properties. It helps the process of cleansing the liver, spleen and pancreas of toxins that have entered them.

Bedstraw is an aromatic medicinal herb with honey-yellow flowers, associated with Midsummer's Day (St John's Day).

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Pack size: 0.2 g
• Seed origin: Hungary
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Marsh Bedstraw

Marsh Bedstraw seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. 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 Marsh Bedstraw

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Known for its sweet scent, this vigorous wildflower can grow quite tall when it climbs along hedges and bushes. The flowers, which are present from July to August, are white and form in loose clusters at the end of the stem. Its stems are almost glossy, the leaves are short and narrow, and it produces more seed than other species. Marsh bedstraw usually grows in damp soils.

Undemanding.

Harvest and use

Picked in flower around Midsummer's Day (St John's Day).

Frequently asked questions

When should Marsh Bedstraw be sown?

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

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.