The herb with the inconspicuous flower appears every spring in gardens and deciduous forests. To learn how to grow woodruff, see this article.
at Woodruff (Galium odoratum), which is known for its characteristic scent, is actually a forest shrub. However, if the site conditions are right, it will also grow in our gardens without any problems. We will show you how to proceed exactly with the culture of woodruff and what you have to pay attention to.
The woodruff actually found in mixed beech and deciduous forests is also a welcome guest in our gardens and on our balconies. Due to its low demands, the cultivation also works without any problems; it is even so that the pretty ground cover can spread properly under the ideal conditions. The plant forms rhizomes that run flat in the ground, with which it spreads. The fragrant herb can also be cultivated in a tub. Since woodruff is very moisture-loving, you should make sure that there is an adequate water supply here.
by the way: Rhizomes are not roots, although they grow in the ground. From a botanical point of view, the shoots are underground. Because of this, a new shoot can grow to the surface anywhere along a rhizome.
Planting woodruff: the right time
Woodruff can be sown between mid-September and late October. If you do not want to sow your own, you can plant the early plants or parts of the forest shrub between March and October.
When planting woodruff, you have the choice between your own sowing or pre-cultivated specimens in pots from garden centers, nurseries or hardware stores. You may also find the plant wild in the forest or in another garden. In this case it is sufficient to remove a few rhizomes with the upright sprouts and plant them at home very soon. If you want to sow woodruff yourself, the time to do this is between September and February. If you bought the woodruff in pots, you can transplant it to its place in the garden between March and October or leave it right in the pot. In this case, however, note that a small pot can freeze through very quickly in frosty conditions, which is why the woodruff in the bucket also needs winter protection.
Tip: The woodruff's seeds require at least six weeks of exposure to the cold in order to develop the willingness to germinate. They are therefore also referred to as frost germs. While purchased seeds have already been subjected to a special treatment to break down the inhibition of sprouting, this has of course not yet happened in the case of seeds that you harvest yourself. Your own seeds must therefore be sown before winter - or you can put the seeds in the refrigerator for at least six weeks before you sow them.
What is the perfect location for woodruff?
Woodruff prefers to stand in a shady place, in moist, humus-rich and somewhat chalky soil that can be slightly acidic to alkaline.
This is not surprising if you take a look at its place of origin: In the forest, too, the shadow dominates and the cool moss stores the moisture for a long time. The perfect location for woodruff is therefore in the shade of a cool house wall or under a tree or shrub in your garden. Incidentally, the dominantly rampant woodruff hardly tolerates any other plants in its location - competitors are ruthlessly pushed aside. Only a few can stand next to it, for example the golden nettle (Lamium galeobdolon) and the Columbine (Aquilegia), creating a delightful mix of wild perennials.
The correct approach to planting woodruff
If you have already started sowing, the seeds are sown half a centimeter deep outdoors between mid-September and February. Care should be taken to ensure that the seeds are not too close together in the row. You can expect around 50 seeds per meter. The row spacing should be about 25 centimeters. If it is still the dead of winter when sowing, you can cover your sowing with a thin layer of mulch or twigs. In the spring the cover is removed and the young plants are separated to 20 centimeters in the row.
If you have bought a potted plant, it can be planted between March and October. To do this, dig a hole that is at least twice the size of the pot. The root ball is then made with the excavated material and some organic fertilizer like our Plantura Organic universal fertilizer planted together in the hole. There should be a planting distance of around 40 centimeters between the plants. Alternatively, the plant can also be cultivated directly in the pot or transplanted into a tub.
Care for woodruff after planting
Woodruff is easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, it is important that the soil is always sufficiently moist. This can best be checked with a finger test. If the substrate begins to dry out, it is advisable to water. With a layer of mulch, for example from the fallen leaves and moss in autumn, you can also help to keep the moisture in the soil. At the same time, the microorganisms in the soil receive an extra helping of nutrients. Once the woodruff has established himself, he creates his own humid microclimate. Mulching is no longer necessary from now on.
If you want to rid your plant of weeds, it is important to note that not chopped, but should be weeded, because when hoeing the woodruff's rhizomes lying flat in the ground could be damaged will.
Tip: Woodruff should not be fertilized additionally in the first year. In the second year you can use a small amount of compost or mostly organic fertilizer like ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer provide the plant with an extra helping of nutrients.
Summary: planting and caring for woodruff properly
- Sow between September and February; Row spacing 25 cm; Max. 50 seeds per meter
- Separate plants in spring
- Planting of pre-cultivated plants between March and October; Planting hole about twice as large as the ball of the pot
- Water in dry conditions, especially check potted plants regularly
- From the 2nd Fertilize little and only organically
- Do not hoe between the plants, but weed
The woodruff is a perennial with a unique aroma that can be used to prepare liqueurs, desserts, sauces and bowls. We have summarized for you in a separate article what the Harvest of woodruff must be observed.
