How to Grow Arnica Montana | Growing Guide

Raul Cornelius is a Senior Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA and a BCom, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities. Passionate about writing and photography, he enjoys early mornings with coffee and books, and nature bike rides during weekends.
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If you love to grow rare and exotic medicinal herbs, Gowing Arnica Montana is good for you, the plant is easy to grow and provide lovely blooms in yellow color.

Arnica montana, also known as “mountain tobacco” or “Wolf’s Bane” is a herbaceous flowering plant. It is grown for its bright yellow flowers and medicinal purposes, used in skin ailments.
growing arnica montana

USDA Zones: 5 to 9

Propagation Method: Seeds

Difficulty: Easy

Soil Type: Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color: Yellow

Growing Habit

It grows up to 30 to 60 cm. tall and produces daisy like yellow flowers in summer, often grown as perennial, you can also grow it as annual. Arnica montana is native to mountainous regions of Central Europe and grown across the US and Canada.

How to Grow Arnica Montana

Arnica montana is hardy perennial in temperate climates, it grows easily from seed, but due to slow germination if you live in a climate with short summer it is better for you to find a potted plants or seedlings from a nursery.

Growing Arnica

Grow arnica montana in the USDA zones 5 to 9. This plant survives low winter temperatures.

Sow fresh arnica seeds outdoor in summer or adjust the time according to the required germination temperature, which is around 55 F (13 C) in the low nitrogen soil, at least an inch apart. Rake the soil lightly to make sure that the seeds make good contact with the soil, water thoroughly after sowing. The seeds will germinate within a month. Thin out the unhealthy seedlings as they grow, to reach a final gap of about 10-12 inches between plants.

Requirements and Care

Sun

Arnica montana, grows well in full sun, but can enjoy the shade in the afternoon, especially in warmer climates.

Soil

Prepare suitable soil for growing Arnica montana. The basic requirement for this plant is moist soil with good drainage. The plant tolerate poor soil, but grows best in an equal mixture of clay, peat and sand. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, and soil pH should be around 5.5 to 7.3.

Watering

Water your Arnica plant regularly so the soil will stay moist, ensure good drainage.

Fertilizing

This plant does not require supplemental fertilization.

Harvest

Flowers blooms in summer, you can make beautiful cut flowers of them. If you want to use them for medicinal purposes, collect the flowers as soon as they bloom in, air dry them and keep in air tight jar .

Caveat: Arnica is ruled unsafe for internal use and can be harmful if ingested.

Also Read: Flowers that are toxic

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