Anchusa officinalis 'Alkanet'

Boraginaceae: a biennial or short-lived perennial to 60cm. Found by roadsides, pastures and waste ground, preferring warmer areas. Many spikes (classic examples of scorpioid - curled like a scorpion's tail - cymes typical of the family Boraginaceae) of blue-purple flowers, blooming from June-October. The leaves are alternate, basal leaves stalked, stalks winged., hairy, entire–wavy-edged. Native to Europe-Western Asia. An introduced casual in Britain.

USES:

The leaves and young shoots can be cooked and used like spinach. The flowers can also be cooked or used as a garnish. The red dye obtained from the roots can be used to colour oils and fats.

All parts of the plant have demulcent and expectorant properties. They are used externally to treat cuts, bruises and phlebitis and internally to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

A red dye is obtained from the roots.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow spring in pots of sandy soil. An overnight drop in temperature helps germination. The seed usually germinates in 1-4 weeks at 21°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seed bed during July, transplanting the plants to their final positions during early autumn. Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and are very attractive to bees.

HARVESTED: 2019

 

APPROX. 45+ SEEDS