Hawkweed Oxtongue

What you'll need:

Hawkweed Oxtongue seeds (you can find these at specialty seed stores or online)

A patch of soil in your garden or a large pot with drainage holes

Standard garden soil or compost-enriched soil for better growth

A small rake or hand trowel to loosen the soil

Watering can or hose with a gentle spray setting

When to start:

Hawkweed Oxtongue is pretty tough and can handle cooler temperatures, but it grows best when planted in early spring or late summer. If you live in a warmer climate, late summer planting works well because the plant enjoys cooler nights as it establishes itself.

Choosing a spot:

This plant loves sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Find a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. It’s not too picky about soil, but it prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to help it drain better.

Tip: Since Hawkweed Oxtongue can spread, consider giving it a bit of space or planting it in a contained area if you're worried about it taking over.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by loosening the soil in your chosen spot or pot using a rake or trowel.
2. Scatter the seeds lightly over the surface of the soil—don’t bury them too deep. Hawkweed Oxtongue seeds need light to germinate, so just press them gently into the soil.
3. Lightly water the area, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet. A fine mist from a spray bottle works great here.
4. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature and conditions.

If you’re transplanting young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing down around the base of the plant to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.

Plant spacing:

• If you're planting multiple Hawkweed Oxtongue plants, space them about 12-18 inches apart. This gives them room to grow without overcrowding.
• If you're using pots, one plant per medium-sized pot is ideal.

Tip: After planting, add a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

Watering:

• Hawkweed Oxtongue doesn’t like to be too wet, but it also doesn’t like drying out completely. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil first to avoid overwatering.

Feeding:

• This plant isn’t too demanding when it comes to nutrients, but you can give it a boost with a light application of general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall).
• Compost or organic matter mixed into the soil at planting time will also provide slow-release nutrients.

Sunlight and temperature:

• As mentioned earlier, Hawkweed Oxtongue enjoys full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching.
• It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it thrives in moderate conditions—around 60-75°F (15-24°C).

Pruning and maintenance:

• You can trim back any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.
• If you notice the plant spreading more than you’d like, you can dig up the edges to control its size.

Common issues:

• Pests: Hawkweed Oxtongue is pretty resilient, but keep an eye out for aphids or slugs. You can remove these by hand or use a mild soap spray.
• Diseases: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil drains well and you’re not watering too often.

Tip: This plant tends to self-seed, meaning it can drop seeds and grow new plants nearby. If you want to control its spread, remove flower heads before they go to seed.

When to harvest:

• Hawkweed Oxtongue is primarily grown for its leaves, which are edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes. The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning when they’re fresh and full of moisture.
• Young leaves are the most tender and flavorful, so aim to pick them when the plant is still in its early growth stages.
• If you want to harvest flowers, do so when they’re fully open and bright yellow.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip off the leaves or flower heads. Avoid pulling them off by hand, as this could damage the plant.
• For leaves, take them from the outer part of the plant, leaving the center to continue growing.
• If you’re harvesting the entire plant, cut it at the base, leaving a few inches of stem in the ground.

Storage:

• Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
• If you want to preserve the leaves for longer, you can dry or freeze them. Dried leaves can be used in teas or soups, while frozen leaves work well in cooked dishes.

Tip: Harvest regularly to encourage the plant to produce more leaves and flowers!

Q: Is Hawkweed Oxtongue invasive?

A: It can be in some areas, especially if left unchecked. It spreads easily through self-seeding. To prevent it from taking over, remove flower heads before they go to seed, or grow it in a contained area like a raised bed or pot.

Q: Can I eat all parts of the plant?

A: Yes! The leaves, stems, and flowers are all edible. Young leaves are milder in flavor, while older leaves can be a bit bitter. The flowers can be used as a garnish or added to salads.

Q: Why are my leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is well-draining and that you’re not watering too frequently. It could also be a natural part of the plant aging, so don’t worry too much if it’s just a few leaves.

Q: How do I stop it from spreading too much?

A: Regular pruning and removing flower heads before they set seed will help control its spread. You can also grow it in a pot to limit its ability to self-seed.

Q: Does Hawkweed Oxtongue attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Its bright yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.