key growing information

Growing Salad Burnet (Pimpinelle)

How to grow salad burnet from seed: transplants in cell flats, direct sowing, light for germination, soil, harvest and dividing.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Salad Burnet - Key Growing Information

Mature planting of salad burnet following the rain; salad burnet prefers sandy, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Usually 5–10 days.

SOWING:

For transplants, start seed in cell flats 6–8 weeks before planting out. Sow 3–4 seeds per cell, only just covering them, and keep the soil moist until they sprout. Thin to one plant per cell, then plant out in spring 8–12" apart in rows 18" apart.
To sow in place, plant in spring as soon as the soil can be worked, about one seed per inch. Cover only barely, since the seed needs light to germinate.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Sandy, well-drained soil that's slightly alkaline.

PLANT HEIGHT:

Grows about 16–24" tall.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 8–12" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Hardy in Zones 4–8.

HARVEST:

Pick single leaves once plants are established. They're most tender before and after flowering.
Note: Divide in spring or fall for more plants.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Sanguisorba minor