Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in dry to medium soil
Size: Height 0.5-1 ft, Spread 1-2 ft
Blooms: July to August
Landscape Use: Ground cover, lawn alternative
Habitat Value: Attracts various pollinators, including bumble bees (Bombus), long-horned bees (Apidae), sweat bees (Halictidae), and honey bees (Apis). Selfheal is also the host plan for the clouded sulphur butterfly (C. philodice).
Pests & Diseases: None
Mature Seed Color: Light brown
Use a small brown bag to collect seeds from July to September when the seed heads have turned brown and the seeds can be heard “rattling” in the seed heads. Clip seed heads over the brown bag.
Collection & Cleaning Tips: Since the seeds are very small, use small brown paper envelope bags to collect seed heads. Shake out heads and rub them on a screen. Dispose of heads and use cleaning screens to separate seed from seed head material.
Store clean, dry seeds in a refrigerator (40°F) in a sealed glassine envelope.
Germination Requirements: These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate — a minimum of 30-60 days exposed to temperatures in the range of 40°F and below. Plant in moist soil. Sow outdoors in pots November through February.
Doug McGrady
Doug McGrady