Harmal Peganum
Peganum harmala
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Nitrariaceae
- Genus:
- Peganum
- Species:
- Peganum harmala
- USDA Symbol:
- PEHA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 7.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or sanding) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * delay pricking out seedlings