Cuckoo Flower Seeds
Cardamine pratensis
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: In late fall or spring, direct sow just below the surface of the soil and water lightly.
Growing: This plant prefers moist but well-drained soil, and tolerates clay or sand. Seedlings should be watered regularly, and mature plants may need occasional watering since they prefer moist soil. After several years of growth, the plants can be divided in spring or fall to produce new and healthier plants. This plant also reseeds itself, and volunteer plants may grow in the surrounding area.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately. The leaves and flowers of this plant are edible and nutritious when harvested young. Having a sharp, cress-like flavor, they are generally used in salads or as a garnish.
Seed Saving: The long, narrow seed pods that form will explode when fully ripe. Because of this, they must be watched carefully to avoid loss. As soon as the seed pods begin to turn color or contain mature seed, remove them and spread them out to dry; a cover of some kind will be necessary, since they still explode as they dry. Separate the seed from the dried pods. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Lady's Smock, American Cuckoo-flower, Mayflower, Meadow Cress
Latin Name: Cardamine pratensis
Species Origin: Europe
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast
Seeds per Ounce: 4,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: In late fall or spring, direct sow just below the surface of the soil and water lightly.
Growing: This plant prefers moist but well-drained soil, and tolerates clay or sand. Seedlings should be watered regularly, and mature plants may need occasional watering since they prefer moist soil. After several years of growth, the plants can be divided in spring or fall to produce new and healthier plants. This plant also reseeds itself, and volunteer plants may grow in the surrounding area.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately. The leaves and flowers of this plant are edible and nutritious when harvested young. Having a sharp, cress-like flavor, they are generally used in salads or as a garnish.
Seed Saving: The long, narrow seed pods that form will explode when fully ripe. Because of this, they must be watched carefully to avoid loss. As soon as the seed pods begin to turn color or contain mature seed, remove them and spread them out to dry; a cover of some kind will be necessary, since they still explode as they dry. Separate the seed from the dried pods. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Lady's Smock, American Cuckoo-flower, Mayflower, Meadow Cress
Latin Name: Cardamine pratensis
Species Origin: Europe
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast
Seeds per Ounce: 4,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring