Scutellaria baical, commonly known as Chinese skullcap, is a low growing herbaceous plant known for its stems of striking purple flowers. Like other varieties of skullcap, it prefers a moisture rich and nutrient dense environment that is reminiscent of the land they are native to. You may have gathered from the name that this plant was originally found in northern China with its range extending north to Russia, here it can be found growing wild around lake shores and riverbeds.

Unlike it’s close relative Scutellaria lateriflora, this variety is predominantly grown for the use of its roots which take two years before they’re of harvestable size. In traditional Chinese medicine the roots are used to support a healthy immune system and help maintain a healthy liver.

Chinese skullcap is drought tolerant and is known to grow easily in regular garden soils with partial sun. Seeds are ready to be sown in early spring and take about 24 days to germinate, if you live in an area with frost make sure to pot these inside until it’s warm enough to transplant outdoors. If planting in garden beds space seeds 12 inches apart for maximum growth. The flowers can reach 12 inches tall and the roots are ready for harvest about two years after planting.