Saw-wort, also commonly referred to as serratula, is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. This tall plant has a long stem and grows branching leaves and small, bright purple flowers. 

It is often cultivated in gardens and flower beds, as the stunning flowers bloom throughout the summer. As the word ‘tinctoria’ suggests, saw-wort is a popular dye plant. Apart from also having been used as a medicinal plant for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can produce surprising bright yellow from its flowers. Nowadays, the plant is classified as being extinct in the wild in the Netherlands. Its Dutch name, zaagblad, similarly to saw-wort, signifies the saw-like look and feel of its leaves.

PLANT GUIDE 

!Wildlife Attraction! Serratula tinctoria attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

planting period
April-August 

harvest period

soil
pH 6-7
nitrogen-rich

sun
full to partial sun

water
every 2-3 days in well-drained soil
established saw-wort plants are quite drought-tolerant and can withstand some dry spells

planting
0.6 cm deep + lightly covered with soil
30-45 cm apart

germination
scatter the seeds evenly onto the prepared soil surface and just lightly press them into the soil,  as they require light to germinate. Water the seeds gently to avoid washing them away.  Germinating saw-wort seeds usually takes a few weeks under suitable conditions.  The plants will grow and develop, reaching their full height and bloom in their second year.

maintenance
Serratula tinctoria is  generally a low-maintenance plant. 
 Keep an eye out for any pest or disease issues and remove weeds that may  compete with the plants for nutrients and water.

flower harvest
harvest flowers continuously by pinching off the flowers, thereby making space for new flowers to bloom.

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