Sanguisorba officinalis (great burnet)

Sanguisorba officinalis is a self-fertile perennial native to the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, northern Asia and North America. The species grows up to 60-100 cm and flowers from June to August with dark red flowers. The plants are pollinated by insects and are hermaphrodites (have both male and female organs). The roots of great burnet have traditionally been used to slow or stop blood flow. The species has also been used to treat eczema, wounds and burns. In nature you can find Sanguisorba officinalis in meadows and bog-like areas, but it is also a beloved ornamental growing outside in pots or field.

Start cultivation in April/May in a broadcast tray under light conditions, approximately 20-23 °C. Initially sow the seeds in tray substrate. Cover seeds very thinly. If seeds do not germinate at room temperature, try a cooling period in fridge for one month and put the tray back in room temperature for germination. When large enough to handle transplant the plants into small individual pots in pot substrate.

The pots can be placed in an unheated greenhouse, or outside when the risk of frost is over. When fully rooted in the pots, plant outside in field. The plant is suitable for most soils and can grow under highly alkaline conditions. It prefers sun or semi-shade with moist or wet soil.

Great burnet will focus on leaves and roots its first year and even if flowers might occur first year, flowering will be more extensive the second year. The seeds will normally ripen in August/September. Always harvest in dry conditions, and harvest when both the inflorescence and the stem underneath are brownish and dry.