Ferula szowitziana Seeds | Szowitz’s Ferula

Szowitz's Ferula seeds (Ferula szowitziana)

LATIN NAME: Ferula szowitziana

COMMON NAME: Szowitz’s Ferula

Plant Profile

Szowitz’s Ferula (Ferula szowitziana) is a distinctive species in the ferula family. The Szowitz ferula torches tall, stout stems with huge, flat-topped umbels of small, yellow flowers, great, finely divided leaves around base, and the whole plant carrying the bold, sculptural look of the giant herbs. Stems rise to full height of a person, umbels hold hundreds of tiny blooms, and the whole plant turns the dry, golden tone through the late summer. It is one of fine giant umbellifers of dry grasslands, at home in sun and sharp-draining ground. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.

Science & Biotechnology

Within the ferula family, Ferula szowitziana is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Giant umbellifers of dry grasslands have a long record in plant chemistry, and the Szowitz ferula keeps that tradition alive. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.

Uses & Benefits

Szowitz’s Ferula brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In dry garden, the Szowitz ferula is plant that turns head from the distance. Towering stems and huge, golden umbels rise above border, resinous sap carries long history of traditional remedies and aromatics, and seed heads feed the finches. Dried stems stand through winter with their quiet sculpture. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.

Ferula gives asafoetida, the pungent resin spice essential to Indian cooking and a classical digestive for gas and bloating; the giant ornamental species are dramatic garden subjects.

Growing from Seed

Seed is the natural starting point for Szowitz’s Ferula, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.

Our Take

Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Szowitz’s Ferula settles in quickly once it finds its footing. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.

Herb Seeds