Azorina vidalii
Azorina vidalii | |
Light: | |
Moisture: | |
Hardiness: | 9 |
Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
Evergreen | |
Height: | 1' |
Width: | 1' |
Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
Edible Rating: | |
Tea: | Yes |
Azorina vidalii
Propagation: Seed - surface sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cultivation: Requires a moist but very free-draining soil of medium fertility and a sunny position.
This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about 0°c[2]. It can possibly be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the country if given the protection of a sunny wall.
A short-lived plant, tending to rot in humid conditions[2].
Flowers tend to be white on plants grown in greenhouses, but turn pink on outdoor plants[2].
Range: Azores.
Habitat: Sea cliffs[2].
Edibility: Leaves - raw. An excellent sweet flavour, the leaves can be used like lettuce in salads, though the plant is not very productive[K]. It is important to only harvest individual side leaves, if the growing tip is harvested the shoot will usually die off[K].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References