Chickweed
Cerastium fontanum
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Pl. 640B — Cerastium fontanum
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IOverview
Overview
Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) is a low-growing forb or herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Native to regions including Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe, it has spread to other areas such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This plant is known for its edible leaves, which can be used in salads or cooked as greens. Chickweed grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is both an annual and perennial, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. Its light requirement of 7/10 indicates a preference for partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
Quick answers
What is Chickweed?
Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) is a low-growing forb or herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Native to regions including Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe, it has spread to other areas such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chickweed thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions, typically growing as an annual or perennial forb/herb up to 0.3 meters tall. Chickweed requires moderate sunlight; too much can reduce its vigor. For best results, maintain consistent moisture and avoid overwatering. Propagate through sowing seeds directly into the garden bed during spring or fall. Harvest edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-10
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Chickweed for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Chickweed for a simple gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, ensuring it's light, medium, or heavy as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when large enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if direct sunlight is strong.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Keep weeds at bay.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants as needed to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, not providing enough light, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Chickweed leaves are edible and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. They are often added to soups or stir-fries for their mild flavor. The plant thrives in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (13)AustriaBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyIcelandItalyNorwayPolandSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanNepalSouth KoreaTaiwan
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Føroyar, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Macquarie Is., Falkland Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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