Arnica is a member of the sunflower family and is a perennial herb that will produce yellow, daisy-like blooms in spring and summer. Arnica is also known as mountain tobacco, leopard's bane, and wolfbane, and is widely used for its medicinal purposes. Used for thousands of years, these days, arnica's roots are mostly used to make medicinal salves, ointments, tinctures, and creams that can soothe muscles, ease itch, soothe burns, promote hair growth, and reduce inflammation. Today we'll show you how to grow arnica herbs in your own garden!
How to Grow Arnica
Planting Arnica:
- Hardy plant that's suitable for USDA zones 4 through 9.
- Arnica likes any type of soil, but it prefers well drained, sandy and lightly alkaline soil.
- Plant arnica in a sunny spot.
- Sprinkle the seeds lightly on prepared soil in late summer and cover them with sand or fine soil.
- Keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
- Seeds will sprout within a month, but germination can take a little longer so have patience!
- Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches in between each plant.
- Arnica seeds can also be started indoors in pots placed in indirect sunlight. Keep the plant indoors until spring when all danger of frost has passed. Then, you may transplant your arnica plant outdoors.
Caring for Arnica Plants:
- Water regularly and don't let the soil become dry.
- Arnica needs regular irrigation so keep an eye on it in hot, summer months.
- Remove wilted flowers to encourage blooming throughout the season.
So now that you know how to grow arnica herbs, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Happy Planting!
