Name: Organic 'Erba Stella Greens' Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Organic open-pollinated heirloom seeds Plantaginaceae

Gaia

Plantago coronopus

From seed to harvest

Common nameErba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain

FamilyPlantaginaceae

GenusPlantago

Speciescoronopus

TypeOrganic open-pollinated heirloom seeds

Botanical namePlantago coronopus

Organic 'Erba Stella Greens' Seeds (Plantago coronopus). Also known as minutina or buckshorn plantain, this heirloom green forms a rosette of slender, divided leaves appreciated for their crisp texture and mild, lightly herbal flavour. Gaia lists approximately 100 open-pollinated seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada, with germination above 85% for lot GOGO415. Young leaves suit salads and mixed greens. Kew recognizes Plantago coronopus as an accepted species in the Plantaginaceae family, a biennial or perennial native from Europe to Central Asia. Gaia presents this packet as an annual vegetable crop for Canadian gardens. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow in early spring or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Place seeds approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Gaia lists germination in 7 to 10 days between 7 and 23°C, with an optimum of 21°C. Space plants 6 inches apart and rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Full sun to partial shade suits this cool-season green. Maintain even moisture without saturating the soil to support tender leaves and uniform growth. Thin crowded seedlings carefully and keep the strongest rosettes at their final spacing. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Begin harvesting young, tender outer leaves when they approach 5 inches long, allowing the centre to continue producing. You may also cut the entire rosette at the base at approximately 50 days. Harvest before flowering to preserve texture and flavour. The leaves can be eaten raw, lightly dressed, or added to a dish near the end of cooking. Store them unwashed in a perforated bag or lightly ventilated container in the refrigerator and use promptly. Gaia lists tolerance to approximately −7°C, but deeply frozen soil may prevent this naturally perennial species from overwintering in Canadian gardens. Wash leaves under potable water immediately before serving.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Grown as an annual; naturally a biennial or perennial species

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 6 to 13 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in)

Spacing / density

15 cm (6 in) between plants; 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) between rows

Germination temperature

7 to 23°C; listed optimum of 21°C

Germination time

7 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85%

Sowing period

Direct sow in early spring; indoor starting is possible 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost

Propagation

Direct sowing or indoor sowing followed by transplanting

Growing method

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct sow in early spring or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, space plants 6 inches apart and rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 12 mm) 7 to 23°C; listed optimum of 21°C 7 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85% Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Keep soil evenly moist during emergence and rosette growth without allowing standing water. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Maintain even moisture without saturating roots to produce tender leaves. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Seasonal care

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Direct sow in early spring or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, space plants 6 inches apart and rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 12 mm) 7 to 23°C; listed optimum of 21°C 7 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85% Harvest young, tender outer leaves for continued production, ideally at approximately 5 inches long. You can also cut the whole rosette at the base before flowering. Arugula, Miners Lettuce, Corn Salad. The packet contains Approximately 100 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 30 (30 cm (12 in))

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright to bushy

Harvest

Pick young, tender outer leaves at approximately 5 inches for continued harvest, or cut the whole rosette at the base around 50 days. Harvest before flowering.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia suggests arugula, miner’s lettuce, and corn salad. Preserve the listed spacing so every rosette receives sufficient light, water, and air. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

Plants to avoid

Gaia advises against pairing it with broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potato, tomato, oregano, and sage.

Garden use

In the garden, place Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Harvest young, tender outer leaves for continued production, ideally at approximately 5 inches long. You can also cut the whole rosette at the base before flowering. Arugula, Miners Lettuce, Corn Salad. The packet contains Approximately 100 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Erba Stella Greens' seeds are in the packet?

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, the packet information states: Approximately 100 seeds · lot GOGO415 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Erba Stella Greens' seeds in Canada?

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, the stated sowing period is Direct sow in early spring; indoor starting is possible 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. The recommended method is Direct sowing or indoor sowing followed by transplanting, at a depth of Approximately 6 to 13 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Erba Stella Greens' seeds take to germinate?

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, the stated germination period is 7 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85%, with a germination temperature of 7 to 23°C; listed optimum of 21°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Erba Stella Greens' in the garden?

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, the recommended exposure is Full sun to partial shade. The stated spacing guideline is 15 cm (6 in) between plants; 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) between rows. For container growing, the product record recommends: 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Erba Stella Greens'?

For Erba Stella; minutina; buckshorn plantain, the confirmed edible parts are: Young leaves and tender young stems. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.