White sweet clover
4.25$
Seeds grown in an ecological and responsible manner by Akène, forest culture
White sweet clover (Melilotus albus), often called “boreal vanilla,” is a fragrant biennial with delicate white flowers, giving off a sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of both vanilla and tonka bean, although it is unique in its kind. This vigorous plant can grow up to 1,2 meters tall and thrives in poor, well-drained soils. The young leaves can be added to salads, but it is the fresh flowers that are most prized for their captivating fragrance, perfect for flavoring desserts and other preparations. An essence of sweet clover can be made by macerating the flowers in alcohol, much like vanilla extract.
Medicinal and culinary uses
White sweet clover has several medicinal properties. The flowers and leaves are antispasmodic, sedative, carminative and slightly analgesic. In infusion, they are used to soothe coughs, calm spasms and promote relaxation.
CAUTION: It is essential to use sweet clover with caution due to its coumarin content, the substance responsible for its characteristic scent. If sweet clover is not dried properly (protected from light and with good ventilation to prevent fermentation), the coumarin can transform into dicoumarol, a powerful anticoagulant that can cause internal bleeding in high doses. It is therefore best to consume sweet clover fresh or ensure thorough drying.
Ecological roles
White sweet clover is an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators, especially in mid-season when few plants still provide abundant resources. Because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it also enriches poor soils and helps improve their structure. In naturalistic gardens, sweet clover can be an excellent support plant for pollinating insects while adding a pleasant fragrance and a delicate floral touch.
Available at the ecoumene only
Seeds grown in an ecological and responsible manner by Akène, forest culture
White sweet clover (Melilotus albus), often called “boreal vanilla,” is a fragrant biennial with delicate white flowers, giving off a sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of both vanilla and tonka bean, although it is unique in its kind. This vigorous plant can grow up to 1,2 meters tall and thrives in poor, well-drained soils. The young leaves can be added to salads, but it is the fresh flowers that are most prized for their captivating fragrance, perfect for flavoring desserts and other preparations. An essence of sweet clover can be made by macerating the flowers in alcohol, much like vanilla extract.
Medicinal and culinary uses
White sweet clover has several medicinal properties. The flowers and leaves are antispasmodic, sedative, carminative and slightly analgesic. In infusion, they are used to soothe coughs, calm spasms and promote relaxation.
CAUTION: It is essential to use sweet clover with caution due to its coumarin content, the substance responsible for its characteristic scent. If sweet clover is not dried properly (protected from light and with good ventilation to prevent fermentation), the coumarin can transform into dicoumarol, a powerful anticoagulant that can cause internal bleeding in high doses. It is therefore best to consume sweet clover fresh or ensure thorough drying.
Ecological roles
White sweet clover is an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators, especially in mid-season when few plants still provide abundant resources. Because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it also enriches poor soils and helps improve their structure. In naturalistic gardens, sweet clover can be an excellent support plant for pollinating insects while adding a pleasant fragrance and a delicate floral touch.
Description
Sowing and cultivation
Light scarification is necessary to ensure germination of sweet clover seeds.
The seed coat of sweet clover is hard and waterproof. To scarify it, gently rub the seeds between two sheets of fine sandpaper, without pressing too hard to avoid damaging the seeds. We do not want to remove the entire outer covering of the seed (the seed coat), but only damage it to facilitate imbibition, i.e. the absorption of water by the seed.
Once scarified, soak the seeds in water at room temperature for 12 hours, before sowing them at a depth of 5 to 10 mm. Keep the potting soil moist during germination, which should take about 10 to 15 days, sometimes less.
You can also sow directly in place in the fall, scarification will then be done naturally outside with changes in conditions and temperature, but the germination rate may be reduced.
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Technical Details
Seeds per bag: 250
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name : Melilotus albus
Life cycle: Biennial that reseeds
Area : 3
Floor : Poor, well drained
Light : Sun, partial shade
Flowering: July to August
Spacing: 45 cm
Height: 120 cm
Deer resistance: Yes
Stratification: No
Scarification: Légère
Germination time: 10 to 15
Sowing depth: 10 mm
Further information
| Weight | ND |
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