Speedwell – 10 Seeds

Speedwell Seeds. Veronica officinalis, is also known as the heath speedwell, common gypsyweed, common speedwell, or Paul’s betony, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. Speedwell is a creeping mat-forming, hairy perennial with stems 7 to 45cm long, varying in length according to the soil. The almost inconspicuous flowers are produced in a spike form at the stem tips. The tiny flowers have very small petals which are whitish in color. The seeds are tiny and yellow in color. The plant is harvested mainly for medicinal use. It is cultivated in central and northern Italy for the preparation of a herbal tea.

Speedwell Medicinal Benefits
The leaves and roots are alternative, astringent, mildly diuretic, mildly expectorant, stomachic and tonic. It has a bitter, warm and somewhat astringent taste and is considered to be diuretic, cough remedy and stomachic.
Speedwell has been used in the treatment of pectoral and nephritic complaints, hemorrhages, skin diseases and the treatment of wounds.
The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.
Veronica is also used as a tonic, to cause sweating, to “purify” blood, and to increase metabolism. Some people gargle with veronica to treat sore mouth and throat. It is sometimes applied directly to the skin to stop foot perspiration, heal wounds, and treat ongoing skin problems and itching.

Growing Speedwell

Indoor Sowing: Cold stratification and then sow seeds in Spring.
Direct Sowing: Late Winter and Autumn.

•  For Indoor sowing, first cold stratify the seeds for 30 days.
• After cold stratification you can sow the seeds.
• Surface sow onto moist seed compost. Do not cover seeds, simply press into the soil.
• Place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag to maintain humidity. Ideal temp. 20°C.
• Keep moist by watering from the bottom of the tray only.
• Germination takes 2-4 weeks approx.
• After germination admit air and grow on in cooler conditions.
• For outdoor sowing, surface sow onto moist seed compost in Late Winter or Autumn. Do not cover seeds, simply press into the soil.
• Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on.
• Acclimatize and plant out after danger of frost has passed.
• Autumn sowing should be planted out the following spring.
• Prefers a rich, loamy, acidic soil in full sun but will tolerate any moist soil in full or partial sun.