Plantain ‘Tonic’ Green Manure Seeds
Botanical Name: Plantago lanceolata
Deep-rooted perennial herb.
Improves soil health and pasture resilience.
Attracts pollinators and resists compaction.
Plantain ‘Tonic’ is a hardy, broadleaf perennial herb valued for its ability to break up compacted soil, improve water infiltration, and contribute to soil organic matter. A long-lived species, it is often used in pasture mixes and cover crop blends to support soil biodiversity and increase drought resilience. Ideal for regenerative grazing, orchard understory planting, and perennial systems.
- Develops strong taproots that loosen compacted soils and increase aeration.
- High in minerals and suitable for animal forage and soil building.
- Performs well in poor soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions.
- Supports pollinators with long flowering period and dense leaf rosettes.
- Can be used in permanent pasture, inter-row planting, or green manure mixes.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial broadleaf herb
- Growth Height: 30–45 cm
- Frost Tolerance: High – withstands cold winters
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate: Autumn or Spring
Subtropical: Autumn–Winter
Tropical: Dry season or late wet season
Cool: Spring–early Autumn
Arid: Autumn or after rain - Germination: 7–21 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Broadcast or drill into pasture, fields, or prepared beds
- Soil Type: Tolerates acidic, compacted, and low-fertility soils
- Spacing: Broadcast at 0.5–1 g/m² or 2–4 kg/ha in mixes
When to Sow Plantain in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Autumn or Spring | Sow into moist soil after rainfall or irrigate to establish. |
| Subtropical | Autumn–Winter | Best grown in the cooler part of the year; mulch young seedlings. |
| Tropical | Late wet or dry season | Avoid sowing in peak wet season; ensure soil is well-drained. |
| Cool | Spring–early Autumn | Establishes well in spring or after summer rains. |
| Arid | Autumn or after rain | Sow during mild weather or after consistent rainfall for best germination. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 7–21 days |
| Sowing Depth | 0.5–1 cm |
| Watering | Keep soil moist during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature. |
| Growth Period | Establishes in 6–8 weeks; persists for years with light grazing or cutting |
| Incorporation | Can be cut and left as mulch or dug in for soil building; best done before flowering. |