Horny Goat Weed Plant Care and Growing Information

Do you want to grow a no-fuss plant? Here are all the details on Horny Goat Weed Plant Care and Growing Information that will help you out!

Native to woodlands in Asia and the Mediterranean region, the Epimedium genus is a group of plants explained as carpeting perennials. Here’s all the information on Horny Goat Weed Plant Care to help you cultivate it easily.

Horny Goat Weed Plant Information

Horny goat weed (Epimedium sagittatum) is a perennial medicinal herb with heart-shaped green leaves that become gold or red during spring and fall. The plant produces cup-shaped pink, red, purple, white, orange, and yellow blooms in the spring and lavender-mauve shades in early summer. This plant favors well-draining soil and growing conditions partially covered by shade.

This cold-hardy plant is known for handling symptoms of erectile dysfunction and is also used for its aphrodisiac effects for many ages. Horny goat weed is loaded with antioxidants, and some trials have shown it improves testosterone levels and reduces cortisol. Though there are some side effects, like irregular heartbeat, and due to very few human clinical trials, it is suggested to consult your doctor before use.

Other Common Names: Sagittate epimedium, Epimedium, Yinyanghuo

Propagating Horny Goat Weed

This slow-growing ground cover can be propagated by division during spring after flowering or in the late summer to early fall.

1. Loosen the soil gently using a shovel around the plant and remove the plant carefully.
2. Cut the root sections to divide the plant. Make sure each division has a healthy root system and leaves.
3. Propagate each division in a well-draining growing medium, water well, and ensure it gets plenty of dappled light.

Growing Horny Goat Weed from Seeds

• Harvest the seeds or collect them, and sow them immediately in a well-draining potting mix before they dry out.
• Do not bury them deep, and gently cover the seeds with a layer of soil.
• Maintain the moisture of the soil and ensure they get plenty of bright but indirect light. The seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks.

Requirements for Growing Horny Goat Weed

Light

To make your horny goat weed thrive, plant it under partial or dappled lighting. It is a great option for growing below trees or beside large structures that shade from the harsh afternoon sun.

However, as it grows as a weed in most areas, the plant is forgiving and does equally best in the mixture of direct and indirect sunlight.

Soil

Grow this drought-tolerant plant in rocky, dry soil, though it can do well in fertile and well-draining soil as well. The plant will do good in almost all types of soil as long as it is not standing in too moist a growing medium for a longer period of time.

Water

This drought-resistant plant does not need frequent watering once established. The best way to kill this plant is to water it daily. The simple rule is to water the plant only when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch.

Temperature and Humidity

This hardy plant can be grown in USDA zones 5-8 and tolerate various temperatures and humidity levels.

Horny Goat Weed Plant Care

Fertilizer

As this plant is often grown in woodland areas or under trees, it will go on without the need for any fertilizer. To boost the growth, you can use leaf mold or compost. You can also apply slow-release fertilizer each spring as well.

Pruning

Prune the plant in early spring before blooms appear. Snip away dead and damaged foliage from time to time to keep the plant looking clean.

Pests and Diseases

As long as you are keeping the growing medium on the drier side, the plant will be safe from most of the potential pests and diseases. Also, ensure it gets plenty of dappled light and avoid moistening the leaves.