Motherwort

Basic Information

Seed Number

41

Seed Name

Motherwort

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Medicinal

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 15

Last Recommended Planting Date

May 31

Plantable Months

March, April, May, October, November

Indoor Start

Mar 15 – Apr 15

Direct Sow

Mar 15 – May 15

Transplant

May 5 – May 31

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not recorded

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

7–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

60 days to first herbal harvest

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

Not recorded

Planting Depth

Barely cover

Plant Spacing

12-24 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

12-24 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Prefers regular watering and consistently moist garden soil

Soil Preference

Adaptable to ordinary garden soil; prefers adequate moisture

Minimum Container Size

3-5 gal

Plant Height

Up to 5 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow; many benefit from cold stratification
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jun 15; Sep 1 – Oct 15 for fall sowing
Germination Time: 10–30+ days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Blooms/harvest often year 2
Container Friendly: Yes for many; deep-rooted types prefer ground
Succession / Reusable Notes: Great for permanent herb/medicinal beds.
Zone 6B Notes: Many medicinal perennials need patience and may not bloom first year.
Companion Plants: Yarrow, echinacea, calendula, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, clover, native flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Crowded/overly wet beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Motherwort is hardy in Zones 3-8 and is perennial in Zone 6B. Sow in fall or early spring. It can self-seed readily and should be deadheaded if spreading is not wanted.
Germination: Barely cover seed, tamp firmly and maintain even moisture. Germination generally occurs in 1-3 weeks.
Harvest: The supplier lists approximately 60 days to harvest. Aerial parts are traditionally harvested during active vegetative growth or flowering depending on intended herbal use.
Seed Saving: Allow seed heads to mature and dry before collection. Motherwort can self-sow abundantly.
Special Care: Mature stems and flower calyces can be prickly. Site plants where their height and spreading habit will not interfere with paths.
Research Source: Strictly Medicinal Seeds — https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/motherwort-official-leonurus-cardiaca-seeds-organic/ — Leonurus cardiaca identity, Zones 3-8, 60-day harvest, perennial habit, height, water, germination, sowing and spacing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]