Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)
35 SEK
Unit price perEstimated delivery to you: 06 February to 13 February.
SEEDS (50 pcs/bag)
Common names: Soapwort, Soaproot, Soap herb
Scientific name: Saponaria officinalis
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Plant history & use:
Soapwort is used, as the name suggests, as soap, shampoo, and detergent. Soapwort is a native useful plant that in traditional Sweden was often used both for washing textiles and personal hygiene. Today it is used in treatments against acne.
The whole plant is useful, that is, flowers, leaves, roots, and stem. Soapwort contains fat-dissolving substances that foam together with water. The highest concentration of these fat-dissolving substances is found in the root. The foaming liquid can then be used for washing, as shampoo & soap, or as a general cleaning agent.
Despite its toxicity, Saponaria officinalis is used in cooking. It acts as an emulsifier in commercial tahini production and helps create a light foam in beer brewing. In the Middle East, the root is used as an additive in making halvah to stabilize the oils and give the unique texture that halvah is known for.
The flowers smell sweet in the evenings and are diligent in attracting pollinators.
Cultivation:
Since Soapwort is adapted to the Swedish climate, it is not difficult to grow it outdoors here. It thrives in most soils, with slightly clayey soils being best. Sun/partial shade are good locations. It grows 30-100 cm tall depending on the growing site.
Soapwort can spread extensively through underground runners. So choose carefully where you plant it. Preferably fenced and alone if you do not want it to take over the cultivation.
Sowing:
Sow directly at the growing site or start indoors. 1 cm deep. Keep the sowing moist when growing indoors. If germination does not occur within a month, place the sowing in the fridge for about a month.
Alternatively, sow outdoors in pots or in the ground from September to November. The seeds will germinate the following spring.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Growing site: sun/partial shade
Height: 30-100 cm
Germination time: 1-3 months
Growing zone: 1-5
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Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)
35 SEK
Unit price perOrders received before Sunday morning are packed Sunday to Monday.
See our delivery terms.
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SEEDS (50 pcs/bag)
Common names: Soapwort, Soaproot, Soap herb
Scientific name: Saponaria officinalis
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Plant history & use:
Soapwort is used, as the name suggests, as soap, shampoo, and detergent. Soapwort is a native useful plant that in traditional Sweden was often used both for washing textiles and personal hygiene. Today it is used in treatments against acne.
The whole plant is useful, that is, flowers, leaves, roots, and stem. Soapwort contains fat-dissolving substances that foam together with water. The highest concentration of these fat-dissolving substances is found in the root. The foaming liquid can then be used for washing, as shampoo & soap, or as a general cleaning agent.
Despite its toxicity, Saponaria officinalis is used in cooking. It acts as an emulsifier in commercial tahini production and helps create a light foam in beer brewing. In the Middle East, the root is used as an additive in making halvah to stabilize the oils and give the unique texture that halvah is known for.
The flowers smell sweet in the evenings and are diligent in attracting pollinators.
Cultivation:
Since Soapwort is adapted to the Swedish climate, it is not difficult to grow it outdoors here. It thrives in most soils, with slightly clayey soils being best. Sun/partial shade are good locations. It grows 30-100 cm tall depending on the growing site.
Soapwort can spread extensively through underground runners. So choose carefully where you plant it. Preferably fenced and alone if you do not want it to take over the cultivation.
Sowing:
Sow directly at the growing site or start indoors. 1 cm deep. Keep the sowing moist when growing indoors. If germination does not occur within a month, place the sowing in the fridge for about a month.
Alternatively, sow outdoors in pots or in the ground from September to November. The seeds will germinate the following spring.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Growing site: sun/partial shade
Height: 30-100 cm
Germination time: 1-3 months
Growing zone: 1-5
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