code: 604
it is reputedly a strengthening tonic
Family: Apiaceae
Common name: Perennial purple parsley. Mitsuba, Purple-leaved Japanese Wild Parsley, Purple-leaved Japanese hone
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 45 cm
Maximum Height: 90 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 15
Recently arrived from Japan is this exciting new foliage (and food!) plant related to parsley but much more beautiful. It produces a mound of jagged-edged, three-lobed leaves, burnished purple-bronze, on dark stems, from which in early summer arise sprays of tiny pale pink flowers. The unique flavour of leaves and leaf stalks, either fresh or blanched, is pleasing in soups, salads, and fried foods. In addition, it is reputedly a strengthening tonic, and to have some medicinal benefits in women as well!
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Thrives in moist, rich soils. Tolerates close to full shade. Foliage may burn in full sun. May aggressively self-sow in the garden to form colonies. Sheer off flower stems after bloom to avoid unwanted seeding. Although perennial, this plant is often grown from seed as an annual for culinary and/or ornamental use.
