Skullcap

Low spreading North American perennial grown for its calming and strengthening uses in herbal medicine. Happy growing in full to partial sun in moist meadow or wetland soils, this mint-family plant will get 1-2' tall with small, blue flowers on side branches from July to September. Hardy to zone 4, but native from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas.

Also known as: Blue Skullcap, Mad Dog Skullcap, American Skullcap.

Days to maturity: 120

Seeds per pack: 100

Germination rate: 19% (total viability: 62%) on 11/6/2023 (read more about viability)

Planting / harvesting notes

Direct sow in cool soils in fall or early spring. Alternatively, sow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and keep it evenly moist, cool (consider refrigerating for a month or two). Thin or transplant 6" apart.

Seed keeping notes

Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.

Photo by Rolf Engstrand from Creative Commons. Title: "Plant species Scutellaria lateriflora in botanical garden in Helsinki city." Cropped square by Truelove Seeds.