Common chickweed is known for its tiny, signature flowers, which eventually turn into the plant’s seeds. If you’re looking to save some seeds for yourself, you’re probably wondering exactly when this plant blooms. Here’s the lowdown on when you can expect to see those little white stars popping up.
What Chickweed Flowers Look Like
Chickweed produces dainty white flowers that stick around for a huge chunk of the year. Because the plant blooms multiple times throughout the season, a single plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds in a single year! These flowers are also your best friend when it comes to identification—they are a key feature that helps you avoid any mix-ups with lookalikes.
If the weather is mild and the soil is healthy, chickweed can actually keep blooming right into the winter. However, once the temperature drops below freezing, the blooming stops. Rain also plays a big role in how the plant behaves; the flowers will actually close up tight during a steady downpour. If it’s been rainy lately, you might think the plant isn’t blooming at all, but it’s usually just hiding!
Here are a few quirky facts about chickweed blooms:
- The flowers close up on rainy days.
- The plant produces little capsules where the seeds develop.
- The main “fruit” or seed pods typically ripen in September.
Harvesting During the Bloom
Unlike some herbs that turn bitter once they flower, you can keep harvesting chickweed leaves even while the plant is in full bloom. They are fantastic for salads, homemade pesto, and plenty of other dishes. Don’t be shy when harvesting, either—if you snip the stems just above the ground with a pair of scissors, the plant will grow back new leaves in just a few weeks.
The flowers of the chickweed plant are just as edible as the leaves. So, if a few blossoms end up in your salad bowl, don’t sweat it! They are perfectly safe to eat and contain no toxins. For the best flavor, try to harvest the greens when they are fresh and lush rather than dry. Early morning is usually the “sweet spot” for picking the best-tasting chickweed.
