Whether you garden in the ground, in raised beds, on the windowsill, or anywhere else, motherwort is a great addition or re-addition to your plant family. Read on for simple, straightforward specifics about growing motherwort.
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Family | Container Size | Good Companions | Bad Companions | Soil Conditions | Germination | Sun | Water | Temperature Range | Height | Lifespan | Reproduction | Ingestibility | Further Reading
What Family Does Motherwort Belong To?
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) belongs to the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family.
Some of its relatives include lavender, lemon balm, and marjoram.
What Size Container Should I Use for Growing Motherwort?
The minimum container depth recommended for motherwort is 12 inches.
Learn more in our Choosing the Right Planter for Your Container Garden article here.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Motherwort?
Some of motherwort's best companions are as follows:
What Are Bad Companion Plants for Motherwort?
Motherwort is not compatible with every plant. Some things to avoid planting with motherwort are as follows:
- Fennel
- Watercress
- Marshmallow
- Celery
What Soil Conditions Does Motherwort Need?
Motherwort prefers rich, well-draining soil.
How Long Does Motherwort Take to Germinate?
Motherwort takes 2-3 weeks to germinate at a temperature of 60-85°F.
How Much Sun Does Motherwort Need?
Motherwort can grow in full sun to part shade.
In other words, it grows fastest in full sun. It will still grow in dappled shade or part shade, just at a slower rate.
Sun recommendations can vary by region, and motherwort grown in hot areas or in warmer conditions than the ideal temperature range noted below may need more shade.
How Much Water Does Motherwort Need?
Motherwort should be watered when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Motherwort?
Motherwort grows fastest in temperatures of 65-80°F.
This is its ideal temperature range. Although it will grow in temperatures both cooler and warmer than this range, the growth could be slower or even stunted.
Minimum and maximum temperatures will vary by variety.
How Tall Does Motherwort Get?
The average height of motherwort is 2-5 feet.
Is Motherwort Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Motherwort is a perennial herb, meaning that it lives for longer than a couple years.
How Does Motherwort Reproduce?
Motherwort reproduces by seed.
Can Motherwort Be Ingested?
Motherwort leaves and flowers are edible.
Motherwort leaves and flowers have nervine and antispasmodic properties and can be used in herbal preparations. The most common preparations are tea blends and tinctures. An herb:solvent weight ratio of 1:5 at 40% alcohol is suggested for a motherwort leaf tincture.
There are no known safety concerns associated with ingesting motherwort leaves.
Further Reading
This article is intended as a quick-reference guide for gardeners. Consult your seed packet or seed catalog for variety-specific information.
When you have a bumper crop of motherwort rolling in, you may not have enough time for long, complicated recipes or many-step preservation procedures. Check out my article on quick, simple uses for motherwort here!
Motherwort is featured in these Plant to Plate articles: