Sculpit Seeds - Silene vulgaris - Perennial, Delicious, Gourmet
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Sculpit, aka Silene inflata (syn. Silene vulgaris), is a delicious perennial leafy green in the Caryophyllaceae family that has been treasured in traditional Italian cuisine for generations. Hardy to at least zone 4, this vigorous and long-lived plant produces abundant clusters of tender blue-green leaves each spring, making it one of the earliest and most productive perennial vegetables in the garden. The young shoots and leaves have a mild, delicate flavour that is often compared to spinach with a subtle sweetness. They are highly prized for use in pasta dishes, risotto, omelettes, soups, quiches, and salads. In Italy, sculpit is especially famous as the key ingredient in many regional ravioli and tortelli fillings. Once established, plants require very little maintenance and will return year after year, providing a reliable harvest throughout the growing season. They also produce attractive white, balloon-like flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
Follow me on Instagram @smallislandseedco
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: Small Island Gardener
Growing Instructions
It's best to start sculpit seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost, although they can also be direct sown outdoors in early spring or autumn. Sow the seeds in a sterile seed-starting mix and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil, about 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep. Keep at room temperature until germination, which typically occurs within 1–3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed their first two true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden after the danger of hard frost has passed. Sculpit grows best in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil and becomes increasingly drought tolerant as it matures. Regular harvesting of the young shoots encourages fresh, tender growth throughout the season.