FLOUNCY SOAPWORT SEEDS

Saponaria officinalis rosea plena

An ancient and easily grown species, sometimes called “Bouncing Bet" or “Latherwort", is a natural source of soap-like saponins and makes a gentle cleanser than can be used with all botanically-dyed fabrics and gently removes centuries-old grime from various organic textiles. This strain has the added bonus of producing flouncy and fragrant double flowers on long stems.

This stoloniferous perennial can tolerate sun or shade and moist or dry soil, and will spread to form a large patch where it is happy, but should not be considered invasive. Plants are vigorous and can be cut back several times over a single season to make suds. Left unharvested, plants in bloom can grow to around 3’.

Rita Buchanan advises using about one quarter cup of plant material per quart of water. A modestly sized patch (around 4' square) will make many gallons of wash water. All parts of the plant can be harvested and dried for later use, although they should be allowed to soak in water for an hour or more before aggitating.

The big blousy flowers of this soapwort will perk up in the evening, releasing a pleasant perfume that attracts pollinating moths. Plant it where you may enjoy its scent in the evening, but not where it will encroach upon other fragrant night-bloomers. This deer-resistant species is happy on the edge of a woodland and along old fences and hedgerows. Here in the Hudson Valley the species is often found growing alongside streams in the vicinity of colonial-era homesteads.

These seeds sometimes require stratification to germinate. Best sown in situ in autumn through late winter or very early spring. Barely cover seed with additional soil and allow it to germinate naturally in spring.

Seeds may also be sown indoors anytime: press seeds into moist soil, barely covering with additional soil, and mist generously. Wrap pot in plastic and refrigerate for at least four weeks, checking frequently for germination and to be sure that soil is moist. Remove from refrigerator and keep at cool room temperature (50°-60°F) in bright light to germinate in two weeks or so. Pot up seedlings in individual containers when they have true leaves and transplant outdoors when well-rooted. Transplanting into full sun in the heat of summer is not advised, but otherwise plants are quite tolerant of most garden conditions.

Soapwort will self-sow and spread over time, especially in moist semi-shaded soils.

Packet contains around 50 seeds.