Ribwort Plantain is a weed that is also often used as a medicinal herb. Ribwort Plantain is related to Plantain. The plant is widespread in the wild in Western Europe. The lanceolated leaves grow in a rosette. The leaves grow upwards. The inflorescence is green/brown in colour. Ribwort Plantain is common in all kinds of meadows, both in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor areas. This plant is also common between paving stones. This plant can withstand being walked on. It grows in all kinds of places, including on roadsides, paths and along flower beds.
The plant is not poisonous and can be given to rodents and rabbits as a supplement to their feed. The young leaves of Ribwort Plantain can also be eaten raw in salads, soups and all kinds of dishes. This plant is a host plant for various butterflies such as: the small pearl-bordered fritillary, the plantain moth, the large pearl-bordered fritillary, the western pearl-bordered fritillary, the narrow plantain moth, the dandelion leaf roller and the carnation moth.
Ribwort Plantain always grows on clean soil. The young leaves of Ribwort Plantain are the most palatable. Cut the leaves crosswise into pieces. They can be prepared as a substitute for spinach. They are also very tasty with eggs in an omelette. They can also be used as a sandwich filling or as an edible decoration. The tender flower buds can also be used as a snack or in a salad. They are also delicious stewed or preserved in oil or vinegar.
The seeds can be used to press oil. This oil can be used in salads and to enrich all kinds of dishes. The roots of the plant can be used together with all kinds of vegetables in salads or vegetable dishes. The taste of the plant is somewhat similar to that of mushrooms. Ribwort Plantain is a medicinal plant that is used as a tea because of its antibacterial and cleansing properties. The tea can be used for skin inflammation, minor wounds, skin burns, insect bites and skin swelling. To do this, use an infusion of the leaves externally. An infusion also works against eye inflammation. An infusion can also be used to gargle in cases of inflammation of the mouth and throat. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can also be treated with an infusion of the leaves. Fresh, hand-crushed leaves can be used on wounds and insect bites and to treat blisters caused by contact with stinging nettles. This plant can also be used as green manure. After harvesting, this plant can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days at most. This plant flowers from spring till autumn (May till November). Hardy perennial. Height: 30 – 50 cm.
Outdoor sowing: March - end of May
Germination: 7 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 11 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Planting distance: 25 - 30 cm
Distance between the rows: 25 cm
Planting position: sunny - half shaded
Harvesting period: May - September
Flowering period: May - November
Ribwort Plantain is always sown outdoors. It is a plant that can withstand cold temperatures well. Sow outdoors from March till May in a sunny spot with partial shade. Sow sparingly and cover the seeds with a layer of soil. Temperatures below 11 °C are not suitable. Keep the seeds moist but not too wet to prevent mould. Ribwort Plantain grows in all kinds of soil, both disturbed and undisturbed, and in nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich soil.
Sow broadly or in rows about 25 cm apart. Thin out the seedlings to 25 - 30 cm if they are large enough to handle. Use the thinned seedlings in soup or salad. Sow Ribwort Plantain in pots, trays or other containers with a covered bottom. Or sow in a secluded spot in the garden to prevent overgrowth of other plants. From May til September, You can harvest the leaves and the flowers. The young leaves are particularly tasty. Harvest the flowers and the young leaves for use in salads, raw vegetables, soups, sauces, as a substitute for spinach and other recipes. Cut the leaves against the grain into narrow pieces. Ribwort Plantain is also delicious in combination with eggs. The leaves of Ribwort Plantain cann't be stored for long, at most 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
