Vervain [Verbena officinalis]

The perennial vervain is one of the four sacred plants of the Druids. As a medicinal plant, it is used today in folk medicine to treat hard-to-heal wounds, ulcers, eczema and colds. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn-winter, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Vervain is an ancient perennial traditional Chinese and European medicinal plant and the only wild herb of its kind in Central Europe. In ancient times, the plant was revered by peoples, but also by Celts and Germanic tribes as a medicinal and cult plant and is one of the four sacred plants of the Celtic Druids with magical powers. The herb is known for treating injuries caused by iron weapons. Even today, verbena is used in folk medicine to treat difficult-to-heal wounds, ulcers and eczema and is contained in numerous cold remedies and also has a sleep-inducing effect.

 General information 
Plant family: Verbenaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -30°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 5-10 °C
Germination time: 10-30 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Foxglove, Primrose, Coneflower
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from January to March or in autumn from October to December. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Vervain does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Germination is naturally irregular with this variety. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Verbena officinalis
English names: Vervain 
German names: Eisenkraut, Verbene
Portuguese names: Verbena
Spanish names: Verbena
French names: Verveine

 Origin 
Country: Germany