Acmella oleracea

Germination

Sow indoors in spring. Sow directly after danger of frost has passed. Indoors, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Do not cover seed, simply press into the soil. Light is needed for germination. Ideal temp. 20-24°C. Germination takes 7-14 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on under glass. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Directly, surface sow onto prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Thin seedlings as required.

Growing

This plant is frost tender, only plant or move outside after danger of frost has passed. This plant is a tender perennial but is best grown as an annual. Prefers a moist, rich soil in full or partial sun. This plant is a hungry and will benefit from regular, deep watering and an application of compost.

Cultivation

The leaf and buds can be harvested from the end of summer. The plant can be used fresh or dried where they retain their properties for up to a year. This plant will be cut down by frost. Best to grow as an annual, simply pull and compost as the end of the season.