Easily grown in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rather dry soil, tolerating poor and sandy soils. Prefers a lime-free soil. Succeeds in acid or basic soils. A very cold-tolerant plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -35°c. Resents root disturbance and should only be transplanted whilst young. Sometimes cultivated as a dye plant, it is usually treated as a biennial for this purpose, the whole plant being harvested in the second year. Plants do not require pruning, but they can be cut back as required once they have finished flowering in order to maintain shape. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. The flower buds can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 months ago
