Horehound [Marrubium vulgare]

The perennial horehound is an old, hardy medicinal plant and is used for coughs, bronchial and digestive complaints. Ideal for pre-cultivation, alkaline and nitrogen indicator, pot culture possible, sowing in spring and summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fresh or dried leaves.

Description
Horehound is a perennial that has been known as a medicinal plant for more than 2,000 years. Native to the Mediterranean region, the robust plant has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times and can now be found in many parts of the world. The species produces grey-green, heavily wrinkled and white, hairy leaves. Its expectorant effect, which is also scientifically recognized, is particularly valued for coughs, bronchial problems and digestive problems. In addition, the medicinal herb has many other areas of application and abilities in natural medicine. The taste is bitter and magically attracts insects. Horehound is considered a base and nitrogen indicator.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -34 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, slightly dry, loamy, stony, humus, calcareous

pH value: 7 to 8

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Tomato, Rue, Hyssop
Unfavorable mixed culture: Fennel

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from February to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to June.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds directly into small pots or a small bowl and keep them moist at all times. When pre-cultivating in a bowl, the seedlings that are too close together are separated into separate containers as soon as the first horehound leaves are visible. From the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons, the plants are ready to be planted out in large pots or in the bed. 
Horehound prefers a sunny location with permeable, slightly dry, stony, calcareous and humus-rich loamy soil. Prepare the soil with settled animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good water storage quality, an additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
The plants have very low water requirements, so only a few additional waterings are necessary in completely dry conditions. The perennial can be kept compact by regular pruning. Does not require fertilization.

Germination ability of seeds: 1-5 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Marrubium vulgare
English names: Horehound
German names: Gewöhnliche Andorn, Weißer Andorn, Gemeiner Andorn, Mariennessel, Berghopfen
Portuguese names: Marroio
Spanish names: Marrubio
French names: Marrube