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Thé du Labrador - Rhododendron Groenlandicum
Thé du Labrador - Rhododendron Groenlandicum
Thé du Labrador - Rhododendron Groenlandicum
Thé du Labrador - Rhododendron Groenlandicum
On sale

Seeds - Labrador Tea

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Minimum 50 semences par enveloppe

$5.00
( / )
Format

Semences par gramme: 8 333

Année de récolte: 2024


Catégories: comestible, indigène, médicinale, nectarifère, résiste aux cerfs, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, PE, NS, NL, YT, NT, NU,

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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is a native shrub that thrives in mixed and boreal temperate forests, especially in the acidic soils of bogs across Canada and Greenland. This low-growing, twisting plant reaches heights of 30 to 120 cm and adds charm to garden beds or rock gardens with its spring bloom of white flower clusters. Its foliage is green on top, while the underside is covered in orange fuzz.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Labrador tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Its leaves are traditionally infused to create a herbal tea that helps relieve inflammation and supports the immune system. In cooking, it can also be used as a spice, lending a resinous flavour with hints of pine and citrus and a subtle sweetness.

Ecological Roles
Labrador tea plays a significant ecological role in boreal and bog ecosystems, providing shelter and food for various insects. Its presence helps stabilize acidic soils and wetlands. In naturalistic gardens, it adds a rustic touch while supporting local biodiversity, acting as a valuable resource for native wildlife.

 

Labrador tea seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Seeds - Labrador Tea

Labrador tea, like other species with very small seeds, requires a 30 -day cold stratification, light, and high humidity to ensure successful germination.

It is much easier to start the seeds indoors rather than attempting outdoor sowing.

Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix with a high peat moss content that is well-moistened, or make your own mix with one part peat moss, one part perlite, and two parts seed-starting soil. Spray a little water on the seeds to ensure good contact with the soil mix.

Cover the container with a plastic dome (or place it in a plastic bag) and refrigerate it for 30 days.

After stratification, place the container under grow lights and set the lights to remain on for 16 hours per day. Once the seeds germinate, slightly vent the plastic dome or make an opening in the bag to allow some airflow, but ensure the substrate does not dry out.

After a few weeks, when the seedlings develop their first true leaves, provide a light dose of fertilizer (fish hydrolyzate works well) and carefully drain any excess water before replacing the plastic dome.

This method helps maintain the high humidity required, but use your judgment to avoid creating conditions conducive to damping-off or mold.

The use of peat moss also helps lower the pH of the substrate, as fungi are less likely to thrive in an acidic environment.

Seedlings can be divided and transplanted individually when they reach 1 inch in height. At this stage, they no longer require the plastic dome.

In the garden, add sphagnum peat to sandy soils. In clayey soils, incorporate sand and sphagnum peat.

Labrador tea thrives in acidic, peaty, or sandy soils. It prefers moist conditions but can also grow in well-drained soil if protected from direct sunlight.

Seeds per packet: 50

Family: Ericaceae

Scientific name: Rhododendron groenlandicum

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 1

Soil type: Peaty

Soil moisture level: Medium to soggy

Soil - additional attributes: Acid

Light: Sun, partial shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 50 cm

Height: 120 cm

Deer resistance: Moderate

Stratification: 30 days

Scarification: No

Germination time: 15 to 30 days

Sowing depth: Surface