The mushroom herb is still a real rarity in this country. But with our cultivation tips, nothing stands in the way of exotic plants in your garden.
So far, mushroom herb (Rungia klossii) is still an absolute rarity in Germany and the plant with the unusual aroma has not yet found its way into most herbal guides. It originally comes from the highlands of Papua New Guinea and belongs to the acanthus family. It is therefore more closely related to ornamental plants such as black-eyed susan than to other kitchen herbs.
But with these tips, cultivating the exotic herb in your garden is child's play:
- Location: Mushroom herb thrives best on humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. Since it only tolerates light frosts, pot culture is recommended. It is best to use a high-quality and nutrient-rich organic soil such as our Plantura organic universal soil without peat.
- Propagation: Mushroom herb is propagated by cuttings throughout the year. For this purpose, approx. 25 cm long shoots are used, which are planted ten centimeters deep in potting soil and quickly form roots.
- Watering: The herb prefers moist soil and should therefore be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Pruning: If harvested regularly, mushroom weed does not need to be pruned. However, it also tolerates a radical pruning just above the ground.
- Hibernation: Since it only survives light frosts unscathed, it should be hibernated indoors. The windowsill is also suitable for this.
- Harvest: The shoot tips, which are up to ten centimeters long, are harvested. So the plant grows back bushy.
- Storage: Mushroom herb is only used fresh and cannot be stored for long. However, growing in pots on the kitchen windowsill allows for a year-round harvest.
Special thanks to the phorographer: Rolf Müller.