Salad burnet
Sanguisorba minor
Also known asSmall burnet · Garden burnet · Pimpinelle (German) · Pimpinella
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–8 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.4 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An easy, low-maintenance perennial herb for cool conditions. EC 1.0-1.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 10–25°C (cool-season; bolts and declines in sustained heat). Moderate light (DLI 12-18 mol/m2/day). Any hydroponic system works. The plant is small (20–40 cm) and compact. Harvest young leaves for the cucumber-like flavor; add to salads, float on cold drinks (replacing or complementing cucumber), or use as a garnish. The evergreen habit means winter harvesting is possible, a valuable trait when most salad herbs are dormant. Propagation by seed or division of established clumps. Remove flower stems to promote continued leaf production. The plant self-seeds in outdoor settings. Salad burnet is a niche herb with limited commercial demand but genuine culinary utility: the cucumber flavor adds a fresh note to salads without the water content of actual cucumber.