Arnica montana - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Arnica (Arnica montana) is a large perennial, medicinal plant. It is cultivated for its healing and soothing properties and for its yellow to orange flowers in summer. Sow from February to April and harvest from May to July the following year.

Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and southern Russia. It forms an erect plant, about 50 cm high and 30 cm wide. This herbaceous perennial has deciduous foliage composed of lanceolate leaves, grouped into basal rosettes. It blooms from May to August, depending on the region, in the form of yellow to orange stellate flowers, on 6 to 8 cm stems. Arnica tolerates temperatures of at least -15°C.

Arnica is a medicinal plant, used since ancient times for its healing and soothing properties. It is used externally, as a tincture to treat bruises, insect bites etc. It must not be consumed as it is moderately toxic. Arnica is commonly used in homeopathy.

Arnica montana likes plenty of sun and ordinary (even poor) light, rather acidic soil. Grow alongside herbs or other medicinal plants such as Chamomile or Calendula. It will also look attractive in sunny rockeries.

Harvest: flower heads are harvested from May to July.

Preservation: leaves and flowers can be dried and stored in a dark, dry place, in airtight boxes.

Good to know: you can multiply a well-established Arnica plant by dividing the clump. Choose a healthy and well-developed plant, divide it with a sharp knife and then transplant immediately to prevent the roots from drying out.

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.