Vipers Bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Its name comes from the Greek word “echis,” meaning viper, and the Latin word “vulgare,” meaning “common.” The plant has a storied history, with medicinal purposes, including treating respiratory ailments and diuretic properties.

The flowers were once used as a source of red dye and were sometimes smoked as a substitute for tobacco. To grow Vipers Bugloss, sow seeds in late summer or early fall, and choose a well-draining soil.

Water gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination. Thin the seedlings out if necessary and transplant them into the garden when they are large enough to handle. Vipers Bugloss is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. It typically blooms in the second year, producing spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. After flowering, cut back the stems to encourage bushy growth. It is a great option or wildlife gardens, attracting helpful pollinators, or meadow-style plantings as it can self-seed and naturalize well. To grow Viper’s bugloss from seed, follow these steps:

1. Sow seeds in the autumn, as they require cold stratification to germinate. If starting indoors, sow them in late winter or early spring, about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

2. Prepare the soil by filling a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed compost mix. For outdoor sowing, remove weeds and prepare a fine tilth.

3. Sow the seeds thinly over the surface of the seed compost or the prepared soil. Press gently into the soil to ensure good contact but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.

4. Water the seeds thoroughly after sowing, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to seed rot.

5. Germination occurs in a bright, cool area (around 60-65°F/15-18°C), taking 1-3 weeks. Outdoors, the seeds germinate when the soil temperature reaches approximately 50°F (10°C) in the spring.

6. Care for the seedlings by keeping an eye out for slugs and snails, using organic slug bait or copper tape around the plants, and thinning the seedlings to about 12 inches (30 cm) apart if sown indoors or if they become too crowded outdoors.

7. Plant the seedlings when the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. Space the plants approximately 24 inches (60 cm) apart.

8. Maintain the plants by watering them regularly during dry spells, pinching back the tips when they are about 6 inches (15 cm) tall, and deadheading spent flowers.

9. Fertilize the plants sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Watch out for pests and disease, using organic pesticides or natural predators.

10. Blooms from the second year after sowing, usually from late spring to early summer, becoming more prolific when well established.