Spring draba
Draba verna · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spring draba: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm in height
- Flowering
- February to April (very early spring)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, basal rosette
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates -15 °C
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Origin
- Europe, Asia Minor
Care
Exposure and light
Spring draba prefers a location in full sun or partial shade. It appreciates sunny morning areas, particularly in highlands or cool climates. Insufficient light slows down its early flowering.
Soil and planting
This plant adapts to poor, well-drained and even chalky soils. It tolerates rocky terrain and scree. Avoid excess winter moisture which could rot the roots. Light and aerated soil remains ideal.
Watering
Watering should be moderate, particularly in winter. Spring draba tolerates drought once established and requires little water. Water only if the soil becomes very dry on the surface.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Let the plant produce its flowers and seeds naturally. You can remove wilted rosettes after fruiting if you wish to limit self-seeding.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is required for this small hardy herbaceous plant. It thrives on poor soils and requires no fertilizing input. Excess nitrogen would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Spring draba is very resistant and rarely subject to diseases. Watch for slugs and snails in humid spring which can damage young leaves. Good drainage prevents fungal problems.
Did you know?
Spring draba is among the very first signs of spring in Europe, sometimes flowering as early as February before the snow even melts. It is one of the first nectar sources for bees and other pollinating insects emerging from winter. It has naturalized so well in many regions that we often forget about it, as it has become such a familiar part of the early spring landscape of meadows and rock gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.