Common Selfheal

What you'll need:

Common Selfheal seeds or small starter plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A patch of soil in your garden or a medium-sized pot (about 12 inches wide)

Regular garden soil; it doesn't need to be fancy—just something that drains well

• Some compost or organic matter (optional but helpful for extra nutrients)

When to start:

Common Selfheal is a hardy plant, so you can start planting in early spring or even in fall if you live in a milder climate. It enjoys cooler temperatures, so don’t worry too much about the heat.

Choosing a spot:

This plant loves part shade to full sun. If you’re planting it in the ground, pick a spot that gets some morning sunlight and afternoon shade. If you're using a pot, place it on a balcony or windowsill where it can catch some light but isn’t baking in the hot afternoon sun all day.

Tip: You don’t need perfect conditions—this plant is pretty tough and can handle less-than-ideal spots.

If starting with seeds:

1. Fill your pot or prepare the soil in your garden bed.
2. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the soil—don’t bury them too deep, just press them gently into the surface.
3. Water them lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks. Keep an eye on them and water regularly.

If using starter plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing down gently to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle in.

Spacing tips:

• If you’re planting multiple Common Selfheal plants, space them about 6-12 inches apart. They’ll spread out as they grow!
• In pots, one or two plants per container is plenty.

Pro tip: Adding a bit of compost around the base of the plant will give it a nutrient boost without needing any fancy fertilizers.

Watering:

• Water your Common Selfheal regularly, especially during dry spells. The soil should stay moist but not waterlogged.
• Once established, this plant is fairly drought-tolerant, so you won’t need to water as often.

Sunlight needs:

• While it can handle full sun, Common Selfheal prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal.

Fertilizing:

• Honestly, this plant doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you added compost when planting, that’s probably enough.
• If you want to give it a little extra love, use a mild, natural fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Pruning & tidying up:

• After flowering, you can trim back the plant to encourage new growth and keep it looking neat.
• Don’t worry too much about pruning—this plant is low-maintenance and will keep coming back year after year.

Dealing with pests:

• Common Selfheal is pretty resistant to pests, but if you notice any bugs hanging around, a quick spray of water usually does the trick.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting leaves and flowers once the plant is well-established, usually a few months after planting.
• The best time to harvest is in late spring to early summer when the plant is in full bloom.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off the top leaves and flowers.
• Harvest in the morning when the plant is fresh and full of moisture.

Uses for your harvest:

• Fresh leaves and flowers can be used in salads or brewed into a mild tea.
• Dry the leaves and flowers by hanging them upside-down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, store them in an airtight jar for later use.

Storage tips:

• Dried leaves and flowers can last up to a year if stored properly.
• Fresh leaves can be kept in the fridge for a few days, similar to other leafy greens.

Q: Is Common Selfheal invasive?

A: Not really. While it can spread, it’s not aggressive like some other plants. You can easily control its growth by trimming it back if it starts to take over.

Q: Can I grow Common Selfheal indoors?

A: Yes! Place it near a window where it can get some sunlight, though it may not thrive as vigorously indoors as it would outside. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Q: Does Common Selfheal come back every year?

A: Yes! It’s a perennial, meaning it will return year after year, especially if you give it a little care during the winter.

Q: My plant looks leggy—what should I do?

A: Prune it back to encourage bushier growth. This happens sometimes if it’s not getting enough light, so consider moving it to a sunnier spot.

Q: Can I use this plant medicinally?

A: Traditionally, Common Selfheal has been used in herbal teas and remedies for minor ailments, but always check with a healthcare professional before trying any new herbal treatments.