Erba Stella: Everything to Know About Growing This Unique Salad Green

This article was originally published by Craig Taylor on www.morningchores.com

Are you having trouble with greens that bolt in heat or don't like a little frost?

You want something different than the standard salad greens? You can grow erba Stella. It is extremely cold-tolerant and doesn't bolt in warm temperatures.

This amazing salad green is highly sought-after in Italy for its crunchy texture, salty, nutty taste, and delicious crunch. This salad green is tolerant to cold weather and can be grown in warm areas. Heat doesn't seem to affect it.

Sound good? This lesser-known but delicious green is worth knowing.

What is Erba Stella?

This wonderful salad green is called erba Stella ( Plantago Coronopus). It may also be known as bucks horn plantain or minutia. It doesn't matter what you call it: you should plant erba-stella in the garden.

It is not well-known these days but it has been in existence in the U.S.A since the early 1700s.

Its name, erba Stella, means “star grass” and it grows in zones 5 to 9. It can be grown in zones 5 through 9. It can be grown in zones 5 to 9.

You may find the following labels on seeds when shopping for them:

Erba stella
Herba stella
Minutina
Star herb
Bucks horn plantain

It was once difficult to find seeds in the United States and only a small amount was available in Europe and England (apart from Italy). It's now available at most specialty seeds retailers.

How to Grow Erba stella

Erba Stella is a native plant that grows in Eurasia, North Africa and North Africa. It's easy to see why the plant can adapt to so many environments. It is sometimes grown as an annual by gardeners, particularly in North America, where it can freeze, but technically, it's a perennial.

Full sun is best, but it's okay to plant in partial shade. Partially shade summer plants from the hottest parts of the day.

Erba stella grows well in most soil types. It can grow naturally along Europe's rocky shorelines.

True to its name, Minutina can grow almost anywhere you place it. It is probably the most durable green I have ever grown.

When to Plant

Plant in spring in warm regions as soon as possible. Erba Stella can withstand cold and tastes even better after a frost.

You can overwinter it comfortably, especially during mild winters. Protect the plants from heavy freezes by covering them or protecting them.

If you live in cool regions, wait until mid- to late spring before you plant outside.

In the winter, you can sow seeds in small containers in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the seedlings have grown sufficiently large to be able to be handled and the ground can be worked, you can transplant them.

Erba Stella likes cool, moist days such as spring, autumn, or early winter.

Container planting

Erba stella grows well in pots. A medium-sized container should be used to store the potting medium. Sprinkle the seeds sparsely. The seeds are small and will need to be thinned if sprinkled too heavily. One plant should be placed in each 6 inch container.

Spray the soil with water to moisten it. Cover the area lightly. As the seedlings develop, water well.

How to Plant Seeds

Because Erba Stella seeds are small, it is important to not sprinkle too much when sowing. This will result in more seeds being discarded and less seed being thinned.

Plant 1/4 inch deep, about 2 inches apart. Water well and cover lightly. Plant seedlings at 6 inches apart.

The ideal germination temperature is between 45degF to 75degF. Depending on the temperature at which you plant the seeds, the seed could appear within 2 to 15 days.

To ensure a constant supply, plant successively.

Care for Erba Stella

Fertilizer

Erba stella can be planted in any soil. It likes well-drained soil with high levels of organic matter.

Because I don't want soil-borne diseases, I prepare my soil with a well-rotted compost and a balanced fertilizer. Make sure you test your soil and make sure it is well-fed.

Water

Erba Stella requires plenty of water in order to keep its leaves succulent. Don't allow the soil to dry out. Overwatering is bad for erba Stella.

Monitor your erba Stella plant carefully. If the plant appears wilted or dry, water it.

Mulching and Pruning

Take out any wilted or dead leaves to prevent them from infecting other parts of your plant.

Mulch your erba-stella plants with straw mulch in the fall. These should last them until Christmas.

Companion planting for Erba Stella

Get in touch with us to plant:

Arugula
Miners Lettuce
Corn Salad

Common Problems and Solutions to Growing Erba Stella

Erba Stella is a tough survivor who often makes it through a season without any problems. Sometimes, however, pests and diseases can get into the garden. When erba Stella has problems, it is usually because another plant near it started spreading it.

Leaf Spot

I planted erba Stella next to some beets with leaf spot. The disease eventually spread to the nearest minutina plants.

The yellowing and spotting was immediately apparent so I took the leaves off. Although it won't generally cause any significant damage to your plants' foliage, it can be unsightly and reduce photosynthesis.

Instead of watering plants from overhead, water the base. Avoid crowding and overfertilizing. A mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 gallon water can be used to spray your plants.

Aphids

Aphids do more than sucking juice from plants. Aphids produce honeydew, a sweet substance that is loved by wasps and other unwanted insects.

There are many ways to deal with aphids. Don't be afraid. If you have to, use pyrethrum or neem oil.

Leafhoppers

Leafhoppers produce toxic saliva which causes yellowing and white spots on leaves.

Use diatomaceous earth to control leafhoppers in small gardens.

Apply light pressure to areas where you see leafhoppers or other pest insects. Diatomaceous Earth works by drying the insect and eventually killing it. It can be used for any pest, but it is deadly to beneficial insects.

To get rid of them, you can also use insecticide soap.

Slugs, Snails

Slugs and snails will move in when the weather is cool and erba Stella is at its peak. There are many natural ways to get rid of them.

Erba Stella is a tender, green plant that snails and slugs both love. You can use snail and slug pellets, or go out at night with a flashlight to remove them from your plants. You can move them as far away from your vegetable garden as you like if they are too large.

Erba Stella Harvesting and Use

When the leaves are still young and tender, harvest them. You should choose leaves about 6 inches long. The seeds become hard and bitter once the plant begins to bloom.

Use scissors to cut the leaf, keeping the nub at its base. This will encourage regrowth and allow for more pickings.

Once the erba Stella flowers, don't lose heart. You can also eat the blossoms, which have many uses.

Mintinena can be added to greens such as arugula and miner's salad. It can be used in pesto, paired with beets, or added to avocado salad. I love to sautee erba stella in olive oil with snowpeas, salt and a squeeze lemon juice.

Flowers make great additions to sandwiches and salads.

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Bio Prepper's Erba Stella: All You Need to Know About Growing This Special Salad Green appeared first.

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By: Craig Taylor
Title: Erba Stella: Everything to Know About Growing This Unique Salad Green
Sourced From: www.bioprepper.com/2021/09/24/erba-stella-everything-to-know-about-growing-this-unique-salad-green/
Published Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2021 03:07:48 +0000

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