Wood Betony ( Stachys officinalis ) is a treasured perennial herb known for its versatility and rich history in herbal traditions. Its scalloped, textured leaves offer a delightful aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens. Thriving in full to partial sun, Wood Betony prefers well-draining soil but adapts well to various conditions, including clay or sandy loams. This compact and hardy plant typically grows to about 12-24 inches in height, adding vertical interest and charm to any landscape.
Variety Details
Botanical name:Stachys officinalis
Crop category: Flower seed
Product format: Seed packet
Recorded harvest window: Summer
Seasonal planting: :Spring or Autumn
Sowing & Growing
Planting season: :Spring or Autumn
Packet directions: Use packet-specific measurements when exact sowing figures are absent from the current record
Local timing: Adjust sowing to local soil temperature, frost dates, and seasonal conditions
Prepare a weed-reduced seedbed for Wood Betony and use the recorded planting season, depth, and light requirements. Press shallow-sown seed into good soil contact and keep the seed zone from drying during establishment. Thin or transplant only when the growth habit and spacing call for it. Leave enough room for mature width and air movement. Bloom timing and final height can shift with sowing date, climate, soil, moisture, and competition, so use listed figures as planning ranges.
Beyond its visual appeal, Wood Betony has long been valued for its traditional herbal uses.
Its leaves are often dried and brewed into teas or used in infusions.
Place Wood Betony where its recorded height and growth habit fit the surrounding planting. Shorter companions can be positioned toward bed edges, while taller stems need room where they will not shade small seedlings too early. If cutting flowers, harvest with clean tools at the stage appropriate to the bloom form. If leaving flowers in place, observe how bloom sequence changes through the season and record which sowing date performed best at the site.
Use a dated label for Wood Betony and compare actual emergence, growth, and harvest or bloom timing with the ranges in the current record. Local soil, temperature, light, moisture, and planting date can shift results. Keep observations with the remaining packet so the next sowing can be adjusted without replacing product-specific measurements with a universal calendar.
Explore related options in our Herb Seeds.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended todiagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
