White sweet clover (Melilotus albus), proposed by Akène
🌿 A captivating fragrance and an ally of pollinators 🌿
White sweet clover , also called "boreal vanilla" , is a biennial plant with delicately scented white flowers , reminiscent of vanilla and tonka bean. Reaching up to 1.2 meters in height , it grows easily in poor, well-drained soils and reseeds itself naturally, ensuring its presence in the garden year after year. This hardy plant is prized in cooking for its unique aroma , particularly for flavoring desserts and infusions. In addition, its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators , making it a valuable addition to naturalist gardens and flower meadows.
Characteristics of the variety
📅 Flowering : July to August
📏 Height : 120 cm
🌱 Spacing : 45 cm
☀️ Exposure : Sun, partial shade
🌿 Life cycle : Biennial that reseeds itself
🌾 Soil type : Loamy to clayey, well drained
💧 Soil moisture content : Dry to medium
🦌 Deer Resistance : High
📦 Seeds per packet : 250
Sowing and cultivation
📏 Sowing depth : 10 mm
🌡 Germination time : 10 to 15 days
🔹 Recommended scarification : Light, to facilitate water absorption
🔹 Outdoor method :
1️⃣ Sow directly in place in spring or fall, letting nature stratify the seeds.
2️⃣ Cover lightly and keep the soil moist until emergence.
🔹 Indoor method :
🌱 Scarify the seeds by gently rubbing them between two sheets of fine sandpaper.
💦 Soak in water at room temperature for 12 hours before sowing.
🌿 Sow in well-drained substrate and maintain moisture until germination.
🌼 Once well established, white sweet clover will reseed itself, forming a lasting presence in the garden without requiring any special maintenance.
Medicinal and culinary uses
🍵 An exquisite fragrance in the kitchen
Fresh flowers can be used to flavor desserts , infused in milk or macerated in alcohol, like a homemade vanilla extract.
⚠️ Important precaution :
Sweet clover contains coumarin , which is responsible for its unique scent. If dried improperly , it can turn into dicoumarol , a powerful anticoagulant. Always dry in a ventilated place, away from light , for safe consumption.
🌿 Recognized medicinal virtues
Used as an infusion, sweet clover is antispasmodic, sedative and carminative . It is traditionally consumed to soothe coughs, promote relaxation and relieve muscle spasms .
Ecological roles and utilities
🐝 An exceptional honey plant : A valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators in mid-season.
🌱 A natural green fertilizer : Improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen through its deep roots.
🏡 A fragrant and useful touch to the garden : Ideal for ecological gardens and flower meadows .
Why adopt white sweet clover?
🌸 A unique fragrance reminiscent of vanilla and tonka bean
🌿 A medicinal and culinary plant with many virtues
🐝 A powerful asset for pollinators and biodiversity
🌱 Easy cultivation and naturally enriched soil
Bring an aromatic and ecological touch to your garden with this wonderful scented plant!
