Salad burnet flower

Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor) is a member of the rose family. It is native to the Western Mediterranean area. The plant is grown for its leaves which have a cucumber taste.

Salad burnet also has medicinal uses. It has been used to control hemorrhaging and also against the Plague. Brewed into a tea, it has been used to relieve diarrhea. These days it is valued for its astringent qualities.

Salad burnet is a short lived perennial that is hardy in zones 4 – 8. The plants grow 12 – 18 inches tall and 12 -24 inches wide. They grow best in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade. The plants are not fussy about soil and will even grow in poor soil. Once established, the y are drought tolerant.

The foliage is pretty, rounded leaves that have toothed, frilly edges. The older leaves tend to be tough. Harvesting can begin when the plants are 6 – 8 inches tall. Most gardeners harvest only the young, tender leaves. They strip the leaves from the stems and discard the stems, using only the leaves in salads, sandwiches or drinks. Don’t throw those stems out! Toss them into your composter.

Salad burnet has lovely flowers that start in early summer. They are pink and grow in globe shape on spikes. They can be harvested and used in flower arrangements. The flowers should be removed as soon as they appear to encourage more foliage growth.

Salad burnet can be invasive. It spreads by underground runners, as well as by seeds. Removing the flowers will prevent the formation of seed. The seedlings that appear thanks to the underground runners are easily pulled up and discarded.

The plants should be spaced 8 – 12 inches apart. When they become too crowded, usually every 3 – 4 years, they can be dug up and divided. Division is best done in the spring or the fall.

Salad burnet is easy to grow from seed. You can direct sow the seed in your garden two weeks before your last frost. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, about 1/8 inch. The seeds will germinate in 2 – 3 weeks. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart. Don’t throw out those thinnings! Use them in salads.

You can also start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost. Plant 1/8 inch deep. Germination should occur in 2 – 3 weeks. You can transplant your seedlings into your garden after your last frost. Space them 12 inches apart.

Plants grown from seed will grow 8 – 10 inches. They will attain their full height of 12 – 18 inches and bloom the following year.