The small meadow button, often simply referred to as pimpinelle, is best propagated through seeds. The seeds can be purchased in both well-stocked stationary and online stores or can be obtained from your own existing old plants. The Pimpinelle is one of the light germinators.
How do I propagate Pimpinelle from seeds?
To propagate Pimpinelle from seeds, sow the seeds directly into the bed from March. Choose a sunny location with moist, loose soil. Make sure to only lightly cover the seeds with soil as Pimpinelle is a light germinator.
Sowing Pimpinelle in the garden
In contrast to many other herbs, the pimpinelle does not have to be grown on the windowsill or in the cold frame, but can be sown directly into the bed. Sowing can take place as early as March as the plant is quite insensitive to cold. To prepare, the bed should be thoroughly dug up, smoothed and cleared of weeds. A sunny location with moist, loose and humus-rich soil is ideal. Although the Pimpinelle also thrives in dry places, it does not develop its typical aroma, which is slightly reminiscent of cucumbers. Sow the seeds directly at the future location and only cover them very lightly with soil or just press them down - the Pimpinelle is a light germinator. The sowing site should always be kept moist.
Seedling care
Depending on the weather, the seeds germinate after about 10 to 14 days. As soon as at least two more leaves can be seen in addition to the two cotyledons, you can prick out the young plants and replant them at a distance of 30 x 40 centimeters. Later transplanting should be avoided as the Pimpinelle develops a very deep taproot. If you sow directly, you can plant the individual seeds at the right distance, but not all of the seeds will germinate - and you will have to warp the plants one way or another. The first harvest is possible from around May, as soon as at least eight to ten leaves have developed.
Propagate Pimpinelle via seeds
Although pimpinelle is basically a perennial (and winter-hardy) herb, it should be sown again about every two years. In principle, it is also possible to rejuvenate plants through division, although this is made more difficult by the taproot. However, the pimpinelle develops many runners that can be used for this purpose. The easiest way to propagate is through seeds - all you need to do is let the plant flower and then let the seeds ripen. The Pimpinelle sows itself, you just need to transplant the young plants in spring.
Tips & Tricks
As long as the pimpinelle plants are still young, you must regularly and thoroughly remove overgrown weeds. Otherwise, the young plants will quickly suffocate because they do not have enough space and air to grow.
