Amount: 30 seeds
Quantity approx. 14 -28 días at 25ºC. Keep moist
Vitex, chaste tree, monks pepper seeds (Vitex agnus castus)
Chasteberry was introduced by monks who used the seeds as seasoning in place of pepper and also to reduce sexual desire. In the wild, this shrub grows on the banks of rivers and wetlands from Mediterranean to Crimea. The plant whose leaves are very similar to those of cannabis, can reach a height of 4 meters. Vitex agnus castus can also be planted in pots. Very decorative, aromatic purple lipped, sometimes pink and very occasionally white flowers.
Soil: adapts well to all soils, but needs continual watering in summer. If the plant is potted use a slow releas fertilizer. Do not let the soil dry out.
Light: It grows especially well in warm places and direct sunlight.
Multiplication: So far multiplication by cuttings does not work well but seeds work. The seeds should be left in 3 mm of water at high temperature (25-30 degrees) and high humidity. After germination keep the soil moist.
In winter: In pots in a cool place at about 10 ° C. The shrub loses its leaves in winter and sprouts again in spring very quickly. Pruning in winter. Minimum temperature: -15 ° C
Uses: Ornamental plant with numerous medicinal applications.
In the kitchen: The seeds are an alternative to pepper and tea can be made from the leaves. Ornamental plant.
In the home: Ornamental plant. The leaves are used as a substitute for hops in brewing.
Medicinal. Chasteberry main component in the fitofarma for premenstrual pain, menstrual disorders, mastitis and as Galactagogue (substance to increase milk production). hormonal changes, painful menstruation and other irregularities. It helps hormonal regulation. Infertility and hormonal failure. The infusion of the leaves helps to reduce fever, and it is a tonic.
