Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Meadowsweet is a perennial herb that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is known for its sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers that bloom in clusters from June to August and its feathery, fern-like foliage. To sow meadowsweet seeds, start by timing the planting in the autumn or early spring when the temperature is cool and moisture is adequate for germination.

Prepare the seeds by stratifying them to mimic winter conditions by placing them in a sealed plastic bag with damp sand or peat moss and keeping it in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks. Choose a location with the right conditions for meadowsweet, such as moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Clear the area of weeds and debris, and rake the soil to create a fine seedbed.

Sow the seeds directly onto the prepared soil surface or in a seed tray or directly in the garden. Rake the soil to create furrows about 1 cm deep and sow the seeds thinly along them. If using a seed tray, fill it with a good quality seed compost and press the seeds lightly into the surface of the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, approximately the same depth as the size of the seeds.

Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after sowing, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Meadowsweet seeds can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to germinate, so keep the soil temperature between 15-20°C (60-70°F) for best results. Thin the seedlings out to about 20 cm (8 inches) apart once they have developed two sets of true leaves.

Transplant the seeds into the garden when they are large enough to handle, watering them well before transplanting and keeping the soil moist until they are established. Carefully maintain the area weed-free and water regularly, especially during dry spells, as the meadowsweet can take a year or two to establish.