Water Blinks
Montia fontana
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Pl. 7627 — Montia fontana
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IOverview
Overview
Water Blinks (Montia fontana) is a perennial plant found in diverse habitats across Europe, North America, and Asia. Native to regions including Alaska, Albania, and parts of Russia, this adaptable species thrives in moist to wet conditions, often seen in light sandy or heavy clay soils with a pH between 5 and 5.5. Known for its edible leaves, which are commonly consumed, Water Blinks is also recognized for its ornamental value due to its low-growing habit and attractive foliage. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to form dense mats, making it an excellent ground cover in gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Water Blinks?
Water Blinks (Montia fontana) is a perennial plant found in diverse habitats across Europe, North America, and Asia. Native to regions including Alaska, Albania, and parts of Russia, this adaptable species thrives in moist to wet conditions, often seen in light sandy or heavy clay soils with a pH between 5 and 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Blinks thrive in moist to wet conditions and prefer light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5–5.5. They are hardy in temperate regions but can be found growing naturally across a wide range including North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. These plants require ample water and partial to full shade for optimal growth. For propagation, seeds or division of established plants can be used. Leaves are edible and often harvested for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, Wet, water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Blinks for the first time
8steps
Water Blinks are a forgiving plant for beginners, making them perfect for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container with good drainage, and potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container that allows for good drainage. Fill it with light, well-draining potting soil with a pH of 5-5.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the container or start them indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help establish the plant.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Provide light shade in hot weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth and remove dead leaves to encourage a bushy shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade during hot weather, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Water Blinks are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5 and 5.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceRussia
Americas5 regions
native (5)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorUnited States
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Antipodean Is., Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chile Central, Chile South, Crozet Is., Czechoslovakia, Falkland Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7627de98-7b7b-4a5d-bf7b-880e7a1b721d
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