Saponaria officinalis

Germination

Sow indoors into a cold frame in autumn or sow indoors at any time. In a cold frame, sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors, surface sow and place in a propagator or somewhere warm, ideal temp 16-18°C. for 2-4 weeks then cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C for 4-6 weeks, a fridge is ideal. Remove to warmth, 5-12°C for germination. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun. Do not plant near ponds or rivers as the plant contains saponins which can be toxic to amphibians or fish.

Cultivation

No pruning required. Will self-seed. Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.