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An armload of Figwort
An armload of Figwort
A close up of Figwort
A bunch of Figwort
A handful of Figwort

Figwort

Scrophularia nodosa

Features

  • Dryable
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly

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

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

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

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.