Bloodroot - Tormentil [Potentilla erecta]

Bloodroot is a perennial dye and medicinal plant that has been known since ancient times and can be used for numerous ailments. In Europe, the species can still be found wild in Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The tannin-containing roots secrete an intense orange-red substance. The interesting thing about this species is the 4-fold flowers. All other Potentilla species have 5 petals. The dried powder or fresh root is used as a hemostatic agent. Bloodroot has a low stature and grows primarily on heaths, poor meadows, on open forest embankments and forest edges and is considered a type-accompanying species, especially in heaths. It is considered an indicator plant for nitrogen-poor soils.

General information
Plant family: Rosaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -20 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, dry to moist, loamy, humic, slightly acidic

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 5-10 °C
Germination time: 5-20 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Optimal mixed culture: 
Unfavorable mixed culture: 

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from January to March or in autumn from November to December.

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

General
The seeds of this variety require around 2 weeks of exposure to cold so that the seeds can germinate optimally. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible bloodroot leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Bloodroot prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with permeable, moist, humus-rich and slightly acidic loamy soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Germinates irregularly by nature. The above-ground parts of the plant die off in winter and the rhizomes survive in the ground and sprout again in spring. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Potentilla erecta
English names: Blood root, Tormentil
German names: Blutwurz, Tormentill, Durmentill, Natternwurz, Rotwurz, Ruhrwurz, Siebenfinger
Portuguese names: Tormenta
Spanish names: Tormento
French names: Tourmentille