Marrubium vulgare WHITE HOREHOUND (20 seeds)

White Horehound or Marrubium vulgare, is an herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family that can reach 25 to 45 cm in height. This perennial is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Its square-shaped stems are erect, woody, and branched. They are generally thick and covered with fine hairs (pilosity). The foliage is composed of oval or lanceolate leaves, dark green in color, and rough to the touch due to small hairs. The leaves are often toothed or slightly thick.

Flowering occurs in summer between June and August. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and grouped in spiked inflorescences or panicles. They are white in color and produce a fragrant scent and an aromatic flavor. The fruits are small capsules that ripen in autumn, featuring a dry and light texture.

Horehound seeds are brown, almost black, lanceolate in shape, and measure 2 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

Widely used since Antiquity, this variety was traditionally employed for its medicinal benefits. It contains marrubiin, a bitter principle with remarkable properties.

Its virtues are primarily concentrated on the respiratory system; it is used in the manufacture of remedies to treat coughs, bronchitis, colds, and respiratory tract infections. It also acts on the digestive system, addressing a lack of appetite and bloating, and is used to relieve pain.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Despite its bitterness, horehound is used to flavor certain confectionery products and beverages.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow horehound begins in March and lasts until early May.
• Stratify seeds before germination: either naturally by leaving them outside, or artificially by placing them in the refrigerator for 4 weeks before cultivation.
• Sow them in a seed tray filled with potting soil without covering them.
• Water the crop gently using a hand sprayer.
• Finally, place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature between 20°C and 25°C.
• Germination will begin 2 to 4 weeks after sowing.
• Transplant the seedlings to a very sunny spot when they are 5 to 10 cm tall.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

White horehound grows very well in well-drained, light, and rather calcareous (chalky) soil. It tolerates poor soils but prefers rather alkaline earth for optimal growth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It enjoys very sunny or slightly shaded locations. Full sun exposure will promote healthy development.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Marrubium is very hardy and can easily withstand temperatures dropping as low as -15°C. It is adapted to temperate climates and resists harsh winters well.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

It requires little watering except during planting, when it will need 2 liters of water every 3 days. Moderate watering during dry periods in summer is sufficient to keep the plant healthy.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Horehound is easily propagated by seed or by cuttings taken at the end of summer.

- Pests / Predators:

It is robust and rarely attacked by pests, but it can be sensitive to powdery mildew or certain aphids at the beginning of the summer season. Regular monitoring and organic treatments—such as black soap against aphids and Bordeaux mixture against powdery mildew—will help preserve the plant.