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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsSweet Woodruff has not germinated …

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Sweet Woodruff has not germinated yet

#1 · 27th April 2022, 6:45 pm

Hi Everyone!

Lee mentions this plant in his April YouTube video and I actually sowed some directly outside mid February. It will have had plenty of the cold it needs to start off. Nothing has appeared yet. I think it can take quite a while to germinate, but would appreciate reassurance or advice if anyone else has tried to grow this from seed. Thanks.

#2 · 28th April 2022, 9:44 am

Hello Debbie,

Be a little more patient, it can require a bit of a lengthy cold spell, seeds spread on the soil surface and just a light covering of fine soil or compost. When it starts growing and maturing, I'm sure you will not be disappointed, but keep an eye on the spread.

Please let the forum know of the outcome

Regards Bob

#3 · 29th April 2022, 11:20 am

Hi Debbie,

I agree with Bob's reply and wise words.

Galium odoratum - Sweet Woodruff - is a rampant plant but can take a while to get going. But it will go great guns once established and need little to no care.

Growing herbaceous perennials from seed does take a bit longer but is a really cost-effective way of growing plants from seed. I've grown thousands of plants over the years from seed all taking different times to germinate but the results are fantastic so please don't lose faith!