Rampion Bellflower, Rampion
campanula rapunculus
Also known as: ["Rapunzel lettuce","Rapunzel salad"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant with bell-shaped flowers and edible roots and leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","culinary herb","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Campanula |
| Botanical Name: | Campanula rapunculus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden beds or containers in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun and afternoon shade outdoors.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun, protect from harsh midday sun, place in filtered light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use a mix with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy in winter.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Reduce frequency in winter; apply after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of root clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in moist medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers, trim back overgrown stems to a healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy stems to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead/damaged growth, shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, gently tease out crowded roots, place in a pot 1–2 inches larger.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root development.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without saturation, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, ensure good drainage, protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow under excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during active growth, avoid dormant period, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer), avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCampanula rapunculus is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to feline health when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCampanula rapunculus is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCampanula rapunculus, commonly known as rampion or rampion bellflower, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been historically used as a culinary vegetable, particularly its roots, which have a radish-like flavor.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Campanula rapunculus edible?
A: Yes, its roots and leaves are edible and often used in salads.
Q: Does Campanula rapunculus attract wildlife?
A: It attracts bees and butterflies with its flowers.
Q: How often should I water Campanula rapunculus?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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