Annual silverleaf

Plant family

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

0.5 cm

Instructions

Description

The annual silverleaf (also known as the moon violet or Judas pennywort) from the cruciferous family is known and loved for its unique decorative seed heads. What many people don't know: The flowers and leaves of this plant are edible and can enhance salads with their cabbage- to mustard-like flavor. Only the seeds should not be eaten, as they contain poisonous alkaloids. Contrary to its name, the annual silverleaf is a biennial plant that only forms a rosette of leaves in the first year and only flowers in the second year (and therefore only then forms the characteristic seed heads). As the annual silverleaf is a cold germinator, it is a good idea to sow the plants in the fall for germination in the spring. It is best to sow the plants directly on the spot in the garden, as they are reluctant to be transplanted due to their pronounced roots. The seeds should be covered with little or no soil, as this plant is a light germinator. In addition to the wild form with purple flowers, there are also cultivars with white or white-purple flowers. There are also varieties with decorative, variegated leaves.

Growing tips

The annual silverleaf is a typical waterside plant that likes to grow along streams, rivers and lake shores, where the soil is nice and moist. It also prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives better when it gets some shade, at least during the intense midday heat.