Red Broadleaf Plantain Seeds - Plantago Major 'Rubrifolia' - Tasty & Perennial
Quantity: 100
Red Broadleaf Plantain, aka Plantago Major 'Rubrifolia', is a beautiful ornamental and edible perennial in the Plantaginaceae family that originates from Eurasia and Northern Africa. It is the red-leaved form of the common Broadleaf Plantain, combining all of the same culinary and medicinal benefits with striking burgundy to deep purple foliage that makes it an attractive addition to edible landscapes and ornamental gardens alike. Like the green form, it is closely related to Narrowleaf Plantain, though Broadleaf Plantain is generally considered the superior vegetable. Once established, plants can be harvested throughout the year. The leaves become especially sweet after a frost, making Red Broadleaf Plantain a valuable crop for autumn and winter harvests.
The leaves have a mild, nutty, slightly sweet flavour and develop an excellent texture when cooked. They are delicious in salads when young, and are equally well suited to soups, stir-fries, and roasted vegetable dishes. The flavour is often described as a cross between spinach and parsley, though it has a unique taste all its own. In addition to its culinary value, Red Broadleaf Plantain is exceptionally nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins K, A, C, and E, along with chlorophyll, iron, calcium, boron, and many other beneficial nutrients. Like the traditional green form, the leaves have a long history of medicinal use and may be applied as a poultice to help soothe insect bites, bruises, minor wounds, and skin irritations.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
Sow indoors a few weeks before the last frost, although seeds may be started at almost any time during the growing season. Indoor sowing is not necessary, as Red Broadleaf Plantain germinates readily when direct sown into the garden. Hardy to at least zone 5, it tolerates frost and snow exceptionally well. Under ideal growing conditions, plants reach approximately 1 foot tall and equally wide. They grow best in full sun, where the foliage develops its deepest burgundy colour, but will also perform well in partial shade. Plantain prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils and is not particularly sensitive to soil pH. Once established, plants are highly resistant to drought, temporary flooding, deer, and most pests, providing abundant edible leaves and ornamental beauty for many years to come.