Acorus calamus SWEET FLAG (15 seeds)

Sweet Flag, also known as Calamus or Acorus calamus in Latin, is a perennial herbaceous plant measuring 50 to 120 cm in height. This plant belongs to the Acoraceae family. This hardy, aromatic reed is native to and cultivated in the marshy regions of Northern Asia.

The seeds of the sweet flag are triangular, yellow, rather slender, and measure 4 to 5 millimeters in length.

Its flowering period takes place from the beginning of May until the end of August, producing small yellow spikes.

The root consists of several rhizomes measuring 3 cm in diameter; they are gray and very hard.

- Uses:

In the field of perfumery and cosmetics, the plant is prized for its unique aromatic essence, extracted by distillation of the rhizomes. This essential oil releases a woody and spicy scent reminiscent of cinnamon, which allows it to be integrated into the composition of soaps, perfumed powders, and certain hair care products.

Beyond its biochemical properties, sweet flag holds an important place in traditional and ornamental practices. Its leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed, which in the past led to them being strewn on the floors of dwellings to purify the air. Today, the plant is mainly used for the revegetation of banks and water gardens, where it plays an aesthetic role while helping to stabilize wet soils.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The period for sowing sweet flag begins in early February, as the seeds require a cold period to germinate.
• You can perform artificial stratification by leaving the seeds in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
• Plant them in a tray of moist sand and potting soil, covering them with only 1 or 2 millimeters of substrate.
• Water by spraying. Place the crop in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot at a temperature of around 20°C.
• Germination usually begins within 2 to 3 weeks after stratification.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

This aquatic plant needs soil rich in organic matter and minerals. A mix of equal parts potting soil and sand is recommended. Gravel can also be added to the substrate.

- Moisture / Watering:

Calamus grows in relatively humid, even marshy, environments. For watering, simply always leave a little water at the bottom of the saucer and refresh it regularly. For outdoor cultivation, grow Sweet Flag in a very wet area, such as the edge of a pond. Never let the roots dry out.

- Light / Exposure:

It acclimates to all kinds of light. It prefers sunny situations but also tolerates shaded corners of a water garden.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very well between 15 and 25°C. It is a hardy aquatic plant that easily withstands harsh winters (USDA hardiness zones 3-9).

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

Sweet Flag can be propagated in two ways: by seed in early spring or by dividing the rhizome at the end of the season.

- Pests / Diseases:

Acorus is not very susceptible to diseases or pest attacks.

- Maintenance:

Cut off yellow leaves at the beginning of winter. Remove the inflorescences (flower spikes) at the end of summer.