Stachys officinalis [syn. Betonica] (Betony) seeds

Delightful native British wildflower with striking pinky-purple flowers on tall stems above clumps of lush green foliage.  In summer, the flowers are a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects and the flowers last right through to October.  Loves damp conditions making it the perfect plant for pond edges.  Other habitats where Betony will happily grow include meadows, lightly grazed pasture, hedge banks and open woodlands.  

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: June to October
Height: 30cm
Position: Sun or semi shade in damp (but not waterlogged) soil

Packet of 100 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

These seeds have a dormancy which needs to be broken by a period of cold.  Sow indoors at any time or outdoors in autumn.

Outdoors: Scatter the seed on well raked soil, rake in lightly and water.  If sowing in rows, leave 25cm between rows. Germination can take several months and is most likely to occur in spring after dormancy has been broken by the winter cold.  When they do appear, keep the seedlings watered and thin out as necessary.  To prolong flowering and prevent self seeding, remove the seedheads just as the petals start to fall.

Indoors:  Sow on the surface of moist compost and cover very lightly with a fine sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite.  Seal in a polythene bag and place in the fridge for 4 weeks.  After this, move to a warm place or propagator and maintain at around 21C.  After germination, grow on in slightly cooler conditions, around 15C, repotting as necessary. After all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 25cms apart.