Motherwort

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Category:

Description

(Leonurus cardiaca)

A strong smelling herbaceous perennial plant with purple stems, pinky-mauve to white flowers with purple spotted lips. Motherwort maybe harmful to some people.

Flavours/Food Partners

Flowering tops are used to flavour beer and stout. Good for tinctures and teas. Partners well in tea with chamomile, borage and skull cap.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

The Cherokees used the herb as a sedative for nervous afflictions. Used to ease stomach gas and cramping, menopausal problems and insomnia. For a healthy stimulating infusion use 1 – 2 teaspoons of Motherwort in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Add Stevia, honey and lemon to sweeten. Warning – Do not give to young children or consume during preganacy.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers well drained, moist soil in full sun or part shade.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Apply regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep the plant healthy and producing well. Harvest flowers when in full bloom.

Herb Attributes

Position FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 1.2M
Width 1.4M

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