Silene vulgaris 'Bladder Campion'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Caryophyllaceae: an upright perennial of dry grassland to 80cm. flowers are white, dropping, 16-18mm across, petals are deeply divided, the calyx are swollen and form a purple veined bladder, flowering form June-August. The leaves are grey-green and oval. Pretty widespread but only common in the south. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, to North Africa and temperate Asia.

USES:

The young shoots and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the young leaves are sweet and very agreeable in salads. The cooked young shoots, harvested when about 5cm long, have a flavour like green peas but with a slight bitterness.

The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant, also the juice of the plant can be used in the treatment of ophthalmia.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs. Well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

HARVESTED: 2023

 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS