Field Cow-wheat Plant Care

Field Cow-wheat (Melampyrum arvense) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Melampyrum genus. Field Cow-wheat is also known as Purple Cow-wheat.

Field Cow-wheat displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Field Cow-wheat produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Field Cow-wheat every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Field Cow-wheat thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Field Cow-wheat in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Melampyrum arvense tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Field Cow-wheat prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Field Cow-wheat to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Field Cow-wheat every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Field Cow-wheat is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Field Cow-wheat can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Field Cow-wheat while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Field Cow-wheat is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Field Cow-wheat can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrowleaf cow-wheat plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Field Cow-wheat is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Field Cow-wheat grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Field Cow-wheat as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.