Content
- Virgin in nature: Versatile seeds
- Harvest and sow seeds
- Use seeds as a spice
- Seed stands are suitable for dry bouquets
- Tips
The seeds of the virgin in the green are edible
Virgin in nature: Versatile seeds
The petite maiden in the countryside - in some places Damascus caraway "or gretchen in the bush" called - thrilled with her delicate feathery leaves and the pretty, filigree flowers. The one-year-old flower is very suitable for colorful summer borders and can be wonderfully cultivated solo or together with other annual flowers or perennials. Also in the bucket or in the balcony box, the undemanding maid feels very well in the countryside. Their seeds are very versatile.
Harvest and sow seeds
After flowering, decorative seed capsules develop, which begin to mature in about the beginning of August. They recognize the right time for the capsules to gradually turn brown, dry up and eventually burst when the time is right. Since the maiden in the countryside is always very self-sufficient, an annual spring sowing is not really necessary. Otherwise, the sowing takes place in March / April directly outdoors.
Use seeds as a spice
The virgin in the countryside is closely related to the black cumin and can, like this, be used as a spice. For this purpose, you can harvest the seeds and finely grind or mortar, they remind of the taste of woodruff easily. But beware: In contrast to the black cumin contains the virgin in the green the alkaloid Damascenin, which may be enjoyed only to a small extent and in excess rather unkempt to digest. For this reason, the plant is also classified as low in toxicity.
Seed stands are suitable for dry bouquets
The seeds can also be used - well dried - wonderful for dry bouquets. For this purpose, cut off the stems with the immature, green-brown seed pods from August and hang them upside down to dry in a warm and airy place. Combine them with other dried flowers, especially wildflowers and grasses. The seed pods - beautifully painted golden or silver - can also be used for an interesting Christmas decoration.
Tips
If you sow the maiden in the green, then pay attention to a staggered sowing at intervals of two to three weeks - so bloom the beautiful flowers even in the fall and enjoy the eye and heart.