Soapwort

Soapwort — variety description

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a perennial flower of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). A perennial herbaceous plant with a massive, branched reddish root.

As its common name suggests, the plant was once used as soap, with the leaves being reduced by boiling for this purpose. Reaches a height of up to 90 cm.

Soapwort is a hardy flowering plant whose root contains saponins — once used for washing.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 153–207 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February – April; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Soapwort

Soapwort seeds are sown in February – April. The plants flower from July to September. 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 Soapwort

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Prefers neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun. Do not plant near ponds or rivers, as the plant contains saponins that can be toxic to fish. Sow in spring, barely covering the seed, firm it down well and keep it warm and in the light until germination, which takes about 30 days. Thin to 30 cm. apart. An excellent choice for a permanent bed or pot culture. An infusion from the roots of the soapwort herb is used as an expectorant, laxative and diuretic. Induces sweating. Bronchial secretions are thinned and expectoration is eased.

Undemanding, tolerates drought.

Flowering and uses

Flowers abundantly in summer.

Frequently asked questions

When should Soapwort be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February – April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 153–207 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

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.