How to plant the herb coltsfoot

Choose an area for planting the coltsfoot that is in either in full sun or in dappled shade. Make sure the area that you choose will provide plenty of room for the coltsfoot to spread and grow. Keep in mind that this can be a very rapidly growing herb that can often take over an entire area if not kept under control. if you are planting coltsfoot in a container such as a tub or barrel, situate the container in full sun or partial shade.

Cultivate the soil in the area you have selected for planting the coltsfoot. You can use a shovel or a garden fork to work the soil to a depth of about 12 to 14 inches. Make sure you pick out all garden debris such as rotting vegetation, sticks or any large rocks. For container growing, make sure the container has adequate drainage; usually three to four drain holes will suffice.

Amend the soil in the planting area to make growing conditions more conducive for coltsfoot to grow. Lay out a 3- to 4-inch layer of aged manure or plant-based compost on the surface of the soil. If using a container, fill the container with a good-quality potting mix until it's about two-thirds to three-quarters full.

Dig holes for each coltsfoot plant you are going to grow. Keep the holes about 12 to 14 inches apart. You can use a trowel to create the holes. Each hole should be just slightly wider and slightly deeper than the size of the container the coltsfoot is currently planted in. For container growing, dig the holes about 10 inches apart, depending on the size of container you are using.

Strike downwards on the top of the container to remove the container from the roots of the coltsfoot. You can use the trowel to do this, or a piece of wood. Loosen the roots with your fingers if they appear bound or ensnared.

Plant one coltsfoot plant into each planting hole. Use the trowel to scoop in soil around the coltsfoot until the holes are well filled. Pack the soil down around each plant to eliminate air pockets. Add more soil to the planting holes if necessary.

Mix together 1 tbsp. of transplant solution plus fertilizer into one gallon of water. Use this mixture to water each of the coltsfoot plants thoroughly.