Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), packet of 20 seeds, organic
$4.95
Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
Hardy to Zones 4 to 8
(Bouncing Bet, Wild Sweet William, Common Soapwort) Herbaceous perennial. Native to southern Europe; a standby in English gardens. Upright plant with lance-shaped leaves and pretty white/pink flowers. The flowers attract myriads of night pollinators, especially hawk moths. The root is loaded with saponins which can be used as soap. Boil dried roots and/or leaves for 10 minutes, allow to cool, strain and use. Sow in spring by barely covering seed, tamping securely and keeping warm and in the light until germ, which takes about 30 days. These germinate especially well in an unheated greenhouse or outdoor conditions. Work the seedlings up in pots. Transplant or thin to 1 foot apart. Flowers to 2 to 3 feet. Will spread and make a patch. Excellent choice for permanent bedding plant or potted culture.
20 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
In stock
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Question
Pye –
Any chance you could compare the “soapiness” of this to soap nuts? I use 1 part soap nuts and 7 parts shikakai to make shampoo (plus some other stuff but those are the main sources of saponins) – I’m allergic to palm derivatives which are in everything these days, even paper towels (mostly coconut derived chemicals). I am looking for something I can grow locally to cut down on having to buy stuff that comes all the way from India.
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Richo Cech –
Hello Pye, right, and to avoid buying something in a thick plastic bottle that lasts about 3 weeks and then gets trashed! Soapnuts are truly great, I’m not sure they can be improved upon. Soapwort definitely sudzes, but its picky to harvest the roots. Try it and see if you find it worthwhile or not. If you grow it, all nature will rejoice. richo
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Question
laine_2009 (verified owner) –
Would this work for hair or is it too harsh?
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Richo Cech –
hi laine! Saponaria shampoo is lovely for the hair! richo
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Question
RB –
If I buy the seeds now will they still be viable next spring to plant.
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Richo Cech –
Hello RB, Yes, these particular seeds have a lot of endosperm and will last for many years. I recommend a light scarification and planting outdoors in very early spring–they are slow to germinate and like it cold.
Richo
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lauren –
good day! would i be able to make enough soap for clothes washing?
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Richo Cech –
hi lauren, no this wouldn’t really be practical. r
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Question
debra Mason –
How tall does it grow?
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debra Mason –
How long can you store dried plant to make when you need it?
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Richo Cech –
I’ve only used the root. It lasts for years, like a bar of soap.
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Richo Cech –
About knee high.
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Question
Cori Jo –
How do you prepare the root for use in washing?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Cori,
The saponins are in the roots as well as stem, leaves and flowers. Use a handfull of fresh chopped plant per quart of water. Soak overnight and in the morning simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and allow to cool before use. richo
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cunningham5605 (verified owner) –
Hi! May I ask what is the seed longevity for soapwort? Thanks!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Cori Jo,
Saponaria seeds are relatively large and thus contain significant energy resources in a very tough testa. I have planted 3-year-old seeds with good results. Always, it is a waiting game as germination times are relatively long. Cold pre-treatment may help.
Richo
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