Vervain [Verbena officinalis]

Verbena is an old 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 4 sacred plants of the Celtic Druids with magical powers. The herb is known for treating iron weapon injuries. Even today, verbena is still used in folk medicine to treat difficult-to-heal wounds, ulcers and eczema and is included in numerous cold preparations 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: Weak eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -30 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, loamy, sandy, humic, slightly acidic

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

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

Optimal mixed culture: Foxglove, coneflower, coneflower
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from December to February or pre-cultivate in small pots from January to March or in autumn from October to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from April to June or pre-cultivate in small pots from April to June.

General
Sow directly in rows or spread out. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible verbena 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.
Verbena prefers a sunny location with a permeable, nutrient-poor, slightly acidic, humus and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Germination is naturally irregular in this variety. 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: 3-4 years

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