Cultivation of Salad Burnet
Site: Salad burnet like sun or light shade - it
needs about 6 hours of sun to do well. It prefers a non
acid soil. In mild climates it will continue to grow
into the winter months, and it comes back quickly in the
spring.
Propagation: Sow the seeds in spring or autumn.
Start indoors to give it a head start or direct seed
after the last frost. Or purchase pot grown plants.
Growing: Transplant seedlings at one foot
intervals in your herb garden. The leaves are low
growing, but flower stalks may reach up to 2 feet. The
first year it will reach 6 - 8 inches, and you can begin
using the leaves when they are about 4 inches high. Cut
flowering stems and old leaves regularly to produce
plenty of tender young leaves.
Harvesting: Salad Burnet can be harvested
early the first year. Pick young tender leaves whenever
required.
Culinary Uses: This nutty and slightly sharp
cucumber flavored herb is used as a garnish, in salads,
herb butters and soft cheeses. It is also good sprinkled
on vegetables. Add at the beginning of cooking to
casseroles an creamy soups. Combine with other herbs
well, especially rosemary and tarragon. You can also use
salad burnet to flavor vinegar and salad dressings or
give a cooling effect to summer drinks.