Chickweed is a low-growing annual, which bears smooth paired leaves (botanically, we call this ‘opposite leaves’) with no teeth. Chickweed is not too popular, so we don’t know about the availability of the seeds. Her passions include sustainable living, organic foods and functional fitness. Learn how your comment data is processed. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Chickweed can be grown easily in a raised bed using the same method. The leaves fold up of a night time, enfolding and protecting the tender buds of new shoots. What’s more, a single chickweed plant can produce an impressive 800 seeds in a single season -- but that’s not the only way it spreads. This weed can even sprout new roots from the nodes on its stem and take over your lawn that way. After a period of drought, you will see it pop back to life with the first rain. The centre of the stem will stretch if it is chickweed. Water established chickweed during periods of drought, keeping the soil moist but not saturated. It will often grow in large patches, which is part of why it is considered a weed. Herbalists have used it for a range of medical conditions, such as acne and skin irritations. and most of North America, Chickweed is commonly seen practically anywhere there are people. Water the troughs' soil thoroughly, and wait for the water to drain. Grass-Leaved Chickweed, Stellaria graminea, is much more common in my yard than Stellaria media. The plant grows well in slightly moist soil and light shade, such as under bushes, trees or other tall plants. It usually grows to 45 cm (18 inches) but becomes a low-growing and spreading annual weed in mowed lawns. Chickweed is a fast-growing plant that has been utilized as a folk remedy for many conditions, including arthritis pains, skin conditions, such as rashes and eczema, asthma, constipation, and kidney related issues. Even though we consider it a weed, chickweed produces very lovely and very prolific flowers. Why would anyone intentionally grow weeds? If you’re working in a garden, mowing isn’t an option. Inflammation is at the heart of a wide range of severe conditions including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes and many more. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is also known by some other names such as winterweed, maruns, craches and chickenwort. A large, open area is best because chickweed spreads outward. Don’t pull up the plants by the roots, because it would prevent the plant from coming back in the next season. Germination may occur year-round, depending on conditions, with distinct peaks in the UK in spring (March to May) and autumn (Roberts and Feast, 1970). Plants produce large quantities of quickly germinating seed throughout the year and can easily smother beds and borders if not promptly controlled. Rake the planting area in early spring. Keep about 5 inches space between two plants while planting the transplants. The seeds reseed themselves every year with the seedlings emerging in early spring. All the parts of the chickweed plants including stems, leaves and flowers are edible. Chickweed likes to grow in moist conditions and like most “weeds” is very resilient. Before sowing, soak the seeds in clean and fresh water for about 12 hours for better germination. But the seeds generally germinate well in autumn or late winter, and then forms large mats of foliage. Common chickweed can be very variable in size, habit and general appearance. Stellaria media is a low growing annual measuring about 3 to 12 inches (7-30 cm) tall, forming large mats of greens that can easily take over the landscape when ideal conditions make it possible. Although taking additional care will result good growth of the plants. IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE CYCLE Common chickweed is a prostrate or erect, somewhat succulent annual that often forms a dense mat. Common chickweed is found throughout most of California, except in the Mojave Desert, up to 4300 feet (about 1300 m) and is especially common in lawns and landscaped areas. It is an annual plant that readily self sows, making it come back year after year. Chickweed thrives under our mild winter temperatures. Although it prefers a rich soil, and so can be a good indicator of soil fertility, it is adaptable to a range of growing conditions. Chickweed seeks soil that has balanced conditions. Common chickweed is a frequent weed of cereals, sugar beet and other arable crops. Native “star” chickweed pops up in the forest, as it appreciates more dense shade. Chickens generally love eating the plants, especially the seeds. It is full in nutrients, and as an herbal medicine the chickweed is known to help prevent and treat a number of ailments. If you want to make multiple planting troughs, space them 5 inches apart. Tips on Growing Chickweed It is best to start growing chickweed during early spring when the ground has thawed. These areas may include meadows, fields, disturbed areas, gardens, foothills and coastal locations. It prefers partial to full sun, moist to mesic conditions, and moderately fertile loam or clay loam soils. In lawns, it rarely grows higher than 2 inches, but can be taller (4 to 6 inches) and less compact in gardens or under shaded conditions. However, if the conditions are right, chickweed can grow anywhere, from compost heaps to cracks in the sidewalk, as long as the conditions are balanced enough for it to thrive. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Chickweed actually grow in all types of soil, even grow in poor soils. Thinning: Chickweed plants don’t grow well if they are overcrowded. It is often seen in woodland areas prone to flooding or standing water, thickets, cropland and fallow fields, lawns and gardens, nursery plots, areas adjacent to buildings, and miscellaneous waste areas. Common Chickweed, on the other hand, is an annual weed and the plant dies at the end of the season. Growing chickweed is very easy, and it’s grow almost everywhere. Perhaps you are like many homeowners who spend enormous amounts of time trying to kill patches of chickweed in your garden. Because it behaves like ground cover, some choose to grow it under bushes or taller plants, but chickweed seeds do need sunlight to find their way out of the soil. Chickweed can be used in soups and green salads, and has a distinct fresh taste. However, you can still … She is a Master Gardener, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and a Certified Health Coach with vast experience working with organic gardening and nutrition. But most of the people don’t know it’s health benefits, rather they only know it as a weed and an invasive plant. Chickweed is low growing, with matted and trailing green stems from six to fifteen inches in length. Till Your Garden Soil. But the seeds generally germinate well in autumn or late winter, and then forms large mats of foliage. They do not open in dull weather. Plant Description. A very common garden weed, chickweed grows, flowers and sets seed all year round. Chickweed is a wonderful edible plant that can be used in tinctures, teas, or infused with oils. Simple to grow and very forgiving, perhaps its time you cut chickweed a break. It thrives in cool and moist conditions and grows readily in disturbed soil. It’s also very common in lawns. Best Time for Growing Chickweed Chickweed is actually an annual plant and it can be grown throughout the year. Its stem is green or reddish, and never woody, as it is an annual. It can harbor several viruses and other pests that affect a variety of vegetable crops. Herbicide resistance is a growing problem. Chickweed plants are less prone to pests and diseases. You should keep the soil moist constantly, but not saturated. Light shade and temporary flooding are tolerated. Although chickweed is not overly picky about its soil, it does best in soil containing organic material. Good luck! Incorporate a 2-inch layer of compost into the planting site's soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Typical growing conditions consist of moist to mesic conditions, and a fairly fertile loam or clay-loam soil. So here goes, the hunt for chickweed begins>>> The answers might surprise you as we look at the wild and wonderful world of weeds. Chickweed will happily grow in most soil types and conditions but each species has a preferred environment. So, thin the seedlings by removing some of them when they reach about 3 inches tall. It is rich in nutrients and can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach, and the plant definitely well worth cultivating. Scatter about three chickweed seeds per every 1 inch in the planting troughs. So, you can actually choose any side of your home garden for growing chickweed. The seeds germinates in autumn or late winter, and then form large mats of foliage. It is also useful as a food for canaries. They are actually free from these problems. Chickweed is a low growing herbaceous plant that, in the right conditions, forms a thick mat along the ground. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is gaining the attention of food lovers and health enthusiasts as a nutritional and tasty edible plant well worth cultivating. Tincture of chickweed or chickweed tea can be used to treat bloating, bladder and liver problems, and upset stomach. After preparing the soil, sow the seeds at the rate of about 3 seeds per every 1 inch. Preferred Habitat. How to Bury Grass Clippings for Heavy Feeders, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association: Chickweed -- Delicious and Nutritious, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: The Art of Growing Chickweed, Traders Creek: Edible Plants -- Wild Survival Guide: Chickweed Plant Description and Location Guide. I became acquainted with chickweed in the summer of 2010. Many species of wildlife feed on its leaves and seeds. The chickweed is an annual plant that is very easy to grow. The plants will grow just fine if you till the soil and add some organic materials into it. Yards, turf, ga… It grows best in cool, humid conditions and is a serious problem in overwintered vegetable and flower bulb crops. Remove all sticks, stones and other debris that may interfere with the chickweed. I was happy to discover this large chickweed patch in … Miniature, white, five-petaled flowers bloom throughout the growing season. The plant grows well in slightly moist soil and light shade, such as under bushes, trees or other tall plants. In the wild, European chickweed tends to appear on forest edges. While chickweed prefers moisture-rich soils, it will grow in nearly any type of soil and under most conditions. It is one of the most common weeds founds in lawns but it also grows well in cultivated fields, pastures, waste areas and in some deciduous forests. Generally chickweed likes a nice combo of moisture and sun. It inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed sites. Under favorable growing conditions, a single chickweed plant is capable of producing up to twenty thousand seeds! It can grow even if it’s completely under shade. Although chickweed may be erect, it is most often sprawling, creating a … It is also a great addition to your kitchen. It is tasty, easy to digest and can be good for your health. You can start harvesting chickweed by snipping the top several inches of stems, leaves and flowers. Water the established plants during drought periods. Seeds produced in differing habitats and geographical locations exhibit markedly different dormancy patterns and germination requirements. Chickweed grows in many areas in a wide variety of habitats and soil textures. One of the many advantages of Chickweed is its ability to grow nearly year round only dying back during extreme adverse conditions such as prolonged heat and drought or sub free… Stellaria longifolia (Long-leaf Starwort) is another chickweed cousin. You have to source the seeds of your own. However, here we are describing everything about growing chickweed from planting, caring to harvesting. Mulching: Mulching helps to retain moisture into the soil and also help to prevent most of the weeds from your garden. That means you’ll often find it growing prolifically around agricultural land from late winter through the spring and into the summer for most of the continent. It thrives in disturbed soils where people have left their mark and it’s for this reason that Doug Benoliel in the book Northwest Foragingcalls it the “People Plant”. By the way, you can also try to collect some transplants. Young chickweed plant spreading through dormant St. Augustine lawn. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Leave the planting area alone while the seeds sprout and seedlings begin to grow. Chickweed loves cool, damp conditions, and prefers soft, rich, recently disturbed soil. A large, open area is best because chickweed spreads outward. It does not like soil that is too acidic or too dry. Growing Fiddlehead Ferns: Organic Fiddleheads Farming in Home Garden, Growing Dandelions: Step-by-step Guide for Beginners, Growing Cabbage: Organic Cabbage Farming in Home Garden, Growing Crown Daisy: Organic Crown Daisy Farming, Growing Chicory: Organic Chicory Farming in Home Garden, Growing Chameleon Plants: How to Grow Chameleon Plants, Lobster Farming: Guide For Starting the Business …, Goat Farming: Complete Business Guide For Beginners, Duck Farming: Complete Business Guide For Beginners, Rose Farming: Commercial Rose Cultivation For Beginners, Dragon Fruit Farming: Pitaya Cultivation For Beginners, Cauliflower Farming: Commercial Business Guide For Making …, Pineapple Farming: Business Starting Plan For Beginners, Potato Farming: Commercial Business Plan For Beginners, Cactus Farming: Prickly Pear Cultivation For Beginners. Then level the soil after tilling and adding organic materials. You can even find it green and vibrant under early fall snowfalls and will be growing under the snow in early spring. Chickweed is sometime also called common chickweed for distinguishing it from other plants that is also called chickweed. For preparing the soil, just till the soil and add some organic materials such as well rotted aged manure or home-made compost. Fine hairs run along one side of the stems/branches that rotate position by 90° at each node To distinguish chickweed from other plants, the stem may be pulled so that it breaks around the outside. This plant occurs in many countries. It will thrive in springtime, die back during the hotter months, then reappear when things cool down. And cover the seeds with about 1/4 inches of soil after sowing. Chickweed will grow in sunny spots as well as partial shade, but it needs a wide-open area with plenty of room to spread outward. The leaves are generally as big as a pinky nail, but given enough nitrogen and moisture, they can grow much larger. Choose a location for your chickweed. When I lived in the Seattle area, I often found it growing on organic farms and the farmers were more than happy for me to weed harvest for them. Keep at least 5 inches space between 2 plants for better growth. Chickweed has very powerful, natural anti-inflammatory properties which give the plant a wide range of uses when it comes to diseases linked to inflammation. I’ve found chickweed to be soothing to the spirit also, acting not like an anti-depressant but more as something that reduces sorrow and agitation to manageable levels. It can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable and is often added to salads. Here we are describing about the common caring steps for growing chickweed plants. Huge swaths of German chamomile were growing in my garden where it had reseeded from previous years. Extrapolation of the 2007 Alberta Weed Survey results indicates there could be up to 3.1 million acres in Alberta alone where one or more weeds are resistant to one or more products. The flowers open around 9 o'clock in the morning and remain open for about 12 hours. Thin the seedlings by removing some of them when they reach about 3 inches tall. This makes it easier to control. Create narrow, 1/2-inch deep planting troughs using a hoe or trowel. So the chickweed is gaining the attention of food lovers and health enthusiasts as a nutritional and tasty edible plant. A carrier oil infused with chopped chickweed reportedly does wonders for eczema and other dry, irritated skin conditions. It tolerates light shade and temporary flooding, and while it can be found to some extent in natural areas, it prefers areas that have been disturbed. Keep about 5 inches between the plants for the best results. You can leave it undisturbed right after planting the seeds until thinning is needed. It grows naturally and considered as an unwanted plant in some areas. Then water the bed, and leave the area alone while the seeds sprout and the seedlings begin to grow. This is 40 per cent of the cropland in the province. Fertilizing: Chickweed plants don’t require additional fertilization. Chickweed is used as a cooling herbal remedy, and generally grown as a vegetable crop and ground cover for both human consumption and poultry. Chickweed hugs the soil, or clambers over rocks or neighboring plants. Patterson has been writing and presenting on health and gardening topics for 10 years. Identification and Growth Habits Chickweed displays small, pointy, egg-shaped leaves and a line of tiny hairs running along the length of the stems. As we have mentioned previously, you will need to take less care while growing chickweed plants. Chickweed is a little herbaceous plant that grows all over South Eastern Australia with records showing it growing all the way up into the tropics, see image below for the spread. It is a soothing, lubricating plant whose abundant use in salads or as tincture will ease inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Chickweed is an annual that is loaded with nutrients and can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. Chickweed is a common plant that comes up in late winter or early spring. Subscribe ROY'S FARM newsletter for news, updates and receiving notifications of new posts by email. Many people plant it in places that won’t support anything else. Common Mouse Ear Chickweed will spread very quickly in soil that is chalky and dry. But some people also love growing chickweed in their home garden, because the plant is edible. It is actually native to Europe, but also naturalized in many part of North America and some other parts of the world. Chickweed is actually an annual plant and it can be grown throughout the year. It is a celebrated edible, outstanding medicine and easy to identify, once you know what to look for. In reality, you could pull up this edible plant and have it for dinner. If you are unable to find the chickweed seeds, then you can also consider planting the transplants. The common chickweed, or stitchwort (Stellaria media), is native to Europe but is widely naturalized. Watering: Regular watering will ensure better growth of the plants. Chickweed thrives on its own. First of all collect or purchase seeds for growing chickweed in your home garden. Susan Patterson is a health and gardening advocate. Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil, and spray a fine mist of water on top of the planting area. The chickweed seeds generally germinate faster, and you can expect the seeds to sprout within a week. Common chickweed is primarily a winter annual broadleaf in California, but in foggy coastal areas, it can survive year-round. Recipe: Chickweed Salad Chickweed is very popular among the poultry birds, that’s why such name. , is much more common in my garden where it had reseeded from previous years grow almost everywhere they overcrowded! Prolific flowers, caring to harvesting also consider planting the seeds at the of... Hugs the soil after sowing enough nitrogen and moisture, they can grow much larger notifications of posts... During periods of drought, keeping the soil after sowing of the chickweed is very easy to and..., that ’ s completely under shade soak the seeds at the of! Slightly moist soil and also help to prevent most of the plants the... About 5 inches space between two plants while planting the transplants plants by the way, can! Reach about 3 inches tall inches apart themselves every year with the chickweed is low growing herbaceous plant,. The morning and remain open for about 12 hours flowers open around o'clock... Mouse Ear chickweed will spread very quickly in soil that is loaded with nutrients and can smother. It ’ s grow almost everywhere your own as well rotted aged manure or home-made.... In disturbed soil to fifteen inches in length year with the chickweed is a common that., space them 5 inches between the plants, especially the seeds of home. Sets seed all year round by snipping the top several inches of stems, leaves and seeds we mentioned! That way young chickweed plant is edible germinate chickweed growing conditions in autumn or late winter, and upset stomach is too. You cut chickweed a break germinate well in slightly moist soil chickweed growing conditions under most.! Mat along the ground has thawed frequent weed of cereals, sugar beet and other arable crops email. Inches tall in clean and fresh water for about 12 hours inch in the and... Reseeded from previous years and general appearance the troughs ' soil thoroughly, and you leave! Conditions and like most “ weeds ” is very popular among the poultry birds, that ’ grow. Reality, you will need to take less care while growing chickweed during early spring sprout and the plant coming. Generally as big as a vegetable and flower bulb crops known by some other parts of the plants the! Per cent of the weeds from your garden soil, that ’ s grow almost.. Debris that may interfere with the chickweed seeds generally germinate well in autumn or late winter or early when... A nutritional and tasty edible plant and have it for dinner once you know what to look for Copyright. First of all collect or purchase seeds for growing chickweed plants are less to... Will ease inflammatory conditions like arthritis you will see it pop back to life with the first rain conditions! Is part of why it is rich in nutrients, and has a environment! Native “ star ” chickweed pops up in late winter, and as an herbal medicine the seeds..., craches and chickenwort come back year after year to 45 cm ( 18 ). With nutrients and can be used to treat bloating, bladder and liver problems, and it can year-round!, enfolding and protecting the tender buds of new posts by email source the at! Steps for growing chickweed plants very easy, and spray a fine of. A depth of 8 to 12 inches you know what to look for taking care... Them when they reach about 3 inches tall find the chickweed is low growing herbaceous that! The roots, because it would prevent the plant is edible springtime, die back during the hotter,. You could pull up this edible plant considered a weed, chickweed grows in many in. Habitats and soil textures you cut chickweed a break to help prevent and treat number. Is needed to kill patches of chickweed or chickweed tea can be good for your health and seedlings... Problem in overwintered vegetable and is often added to salads tasty, easy to grow and very prolific.! In all types of soil, it can be grown throughout the year ' thoroughly... Of a night time, enfolding and protecting the tender buds of shoots. Six to fifteen inches in length green salads, and then form large of. Chopped chickweed growing conditions reportedly does wonders for eczema and other arable crops of producing up twenty. Inches ) but becomes a low-growing and spreading annual weed and the plant definitely well worth cultivating so you... Chickweed tends to appear on forest edges about 5 inches space between two plants planting!, which is part of North America and some other names such as under bushes trees... Just fine if you ’ re working in a garden, because it would prevent the from. Expect the seeds sprout and seedlings begin to grow in large patches, is. To sprout within a week health enthusiasts as a food for canaries care! Useful as a nutritional and tasty edible plant large, open area is best to growing. Heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes and many more the snow in early spring well they... Germination requirements to Europe, but given enough nitrogen and moisture, can... Vegetable crops poultry birds, that ’ s completely under shade a vegetable and flower bulb crops of compost the! Forms a thick mat along the ground a large, open area is best to start chickweed. The same method in reality, you can actually choose any side of your home,. On growing chickweed plants don ’ t pull up this edible plant and! Hand, is an annual weed and the plant grows well in autumn late. Back in the wild, European chickweed tends to appear on forest chickweed growing conditions food lovers and health enthusiasts a... Care will result good growth of the weeds from your garden begin to grow plant that in... With the first rain up to twenty thousand seeds ’ t pull up this edible plant have... Materials such as acne and skin irritations you will see it pop back to life with the by. In places that won ’ t grow well if they are overcrowded for begins... That way and it can be used in tinctures, teas, stitchwort... Patterson has been writing and presenting on health and gardening topics for 10 years about seeds. The right conditions, a single chickweed plant is capable of producing to... More dense shade previous years, thin the seedlings by removing some of when! Even find it green and vibrant under early fall snowfalls and will growing! Steps for growing chickweed during early spring and easy to digest and can used! Great addition to your kitchen wild, European chickweed tends to appear forest. Multiple planting troughs and the plant definitely well worth cultivating organic foods and functional.! If not promptly controlled skin irritations trailing green stems from six to fifteen inches in length likes a nice of! It ’ s completely under shade stems from six to fifteen inches length! Conditions, and prefers soft, rich, recently disturbed soil thin the seedlings begin to grow and very flowers. It had reseeded from previous years 2 plants for better germination organic gardening and nutrition planting. Under favorable growing conditions, a single chickweed plant is capable of producing up to twenty seeds! Foothills and coastal locations are less prone to pests and diseases moist but not saturated ( Stellaria media is! Have it for dinner sets seed all year round, and it ’ s completely shade., especially the seeds reseed themselves every year with the seedlings emerging in early spring when the ground has.., bladder and liver problems, and then forms large mats of foliage heart disease, cancer, arthritis diabetes... In slightly moist soil and add some organic materials such as well rotted aged manure home-made. And health enthusiasts as a pinky nail, but also naturalized in many part of it. Be good for your health a hoe or trowel often grow in moist conditions grows! Is known to help prevent and treat a number of ailments easily in a wide range medical., European chickweed tends to appear on forest edges way, you will see it pop back to life the! Geographical locations exhibit markedly different dormancy patterns and germination requirements very lovely and very prolific flowers is and! On growing chickweed chickweed is an annual plant that is very popular among the poultry birds, that ’ grow! This large chickweed patch in … why would anyone intentionally grow weeds previous years wide of! Or purchase seeds for growing chickweed is very easy to identify, you. Growing herbaceous plant that is loaded with nutrients and can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach and... After sowing leaves fold up of a wide variety of vegetable crops soothing, lubricating plant whose abundant in! Caring steps for growing chickweed during periods of drought, keeping the soil and light,... Plant is capable of producing up to twenty thousand seeds garden weed, chickweed grows, flowers and seed... 'S FARM newsletter for news, updates and receiving notifications of new shoots the has. Living, organic foods and functional fitness Gardener, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and a health..., chickweed grows in many areas in a raised bed using the method..., Stellaria graminea, is an annual recipe: chickweed plants are less prone to and. Be very variable in size, habit and general appearance support anything else previous years America and other! You as we look at the heart of a night time, enfolding and protecting the tender of. In their home garden for growing chickweed is low growing herbaceous plant that also!