Alexanders (Organic)

Smyrnium olusatrum. Perennial/Biennial.

This plant goes by many names and has a long history, possibly going back to Alexander The Great. Ancient Romans ate the leaves, stems, roots, and flower buds as vegetables. Leaves are comparable to a mild-flavored parsley, and are tasty in salad or used as an herb. Large, yellow-flowered umbel blooms are highly desirable to beneficial insects. Aromatic black seeds give Alexanders one of its synonyms – Black Lovage. Short-lived perennial or biennial that will self-sow and grows in sun or shade. Plants are not true perennials, they tend to die after flowering (which may take a few years). With its noninvasive self-sowing habit, it is perfect for the low maintenance or semi-wild garden. Native to the Mediterranean, the Romans introduced Alexanders throughout Europe, where it can still be found growing wild near medieval monastery gardens.  Seeds require a period of moist, cold conditions for germination. Sow in fall or early spring. Very winter hardy, plants sometimes go dormant in the summer. We thank Dr. Alan Kapuler of Peace Seeds for introducing this cool plant to the Oregon gardening scene. Aka, Alexander’s Greens, Alisanders, Black Lovage, Horse Parsley, Macedonian Parsley, and Maceron.

$4.35

Out of stock

$7.15

Out of stock

Stratify seeds then sow in pots or in place, fall or early spring. Great choice for winter gardens in our region; plants may go dormant in summer. Grows in sun or part shade. Self-sowing but not invasive. Germination can be slow and erratic.

Seed Saving

Collect seeds when seeds are black and dry, thresh by hand or by dancing, winnow to clean. Isolation for cross-pollination is not a concern for Alexanders.

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