Scarlet Pimpernel
Anagallis arvensis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. DB07 — Anagallis arvensis
Anagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensisAnagallis arvensis
IOverview
Overview
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is an annual plant native to a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria. Known for its distinctive bright red flowers that open only on sunny days, this plant thrives in various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, with a preference for pH levels between 6.5 and 7. It is commonly found across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Scarlet Pimpernel is edible, with its leaves and shoots being palatable. Its native range extends from Afghanistan to Yemen, making it adaptable to diverse climates.
Quick answers
What is Scarlet Pimpernel?
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is an annual plant native to a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scarlet Pimpernel thrives in light to medium soils that are well-draining or clayey, with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It prefers dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. This annual plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and requires full sun to partial shade. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. The edible parts include leaves and shoots, which are best harvested when young. Water regularly but avoid overwatering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Scarlet Pimpernel for the first time
7steps
Start with Scarlet Pimpernel as a simple, low-maintenance annual for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Scarlet Pimpernel seeds or young plants, small pots if starting from seed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Ensure containers are at least 10 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden, spacing them about 20-30 cm apart. Alternatively, plant young seedlings outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Shield from strong sun if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed and deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom. Watch for pests like aphids.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess, especially if you want more blooms.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Scarlet Pimpernel's leaves and shoots are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 6.5-7. Its parts are typically prepared fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:SoapDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreecePortugalRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Afghanistan
Africa8 regions
native (8)AlgeriaBurundiCabo VerdeChadDjiboutiEgyptEritreaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Gulf States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · db07fed6-7a14-401b-bfad-891f761111e1
Decision aid
Choosing between Scarlet Pimpernel and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.