Figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
Description
This hardworking perennial will flower the first year from seed if started early. Waist-high, branching plants produce an abundance of long stems smothered in chocolate and green hoodlike blooms, similar to snapdragons. Leathery, long-lasting flowers have a bitter, smoky scent, but attract more pollinators than any other plant we’ve grown. In addition to being a great textural bouquet filler, figwort is a must-grow for the bees.
Details
Plant type: perennial
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out once the weather has warmed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Pick when stem tips are no longer floppy. Expect a vase life of 14 days.
Details
Description
This hardworking perennial will flower the first year from seed if started early. Waist-high, branching plants produce an abundance of long stems smothered in chocolate and green hoodlike blooms, similar to snapdragons. Leathery, long-lasting flowers have a bitter, smoky scent, but attract more pollinators than any other plant we’ve grown. In addition to being a great textural bouquet filler, figwort is a must-grow for the bees.
Details
Plant type: perennial
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out once the weather has warmed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Pick when stem tips are no longer floppy. Expect a vase life of 14 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
