Herb · Plantaginaceae family
Narrowleaf plantain
Plantago lanceolata
In short a 10-second read
spacing 9¾ in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Soil
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 9¾ in apart.
Reaches maturity in about 1–1 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–September · brown or white
Sowing
direct sowing: March–August; sow indoors: February–March
Care
remove flower stems (May–June)
What to plant now (February) full list in February (20) →What to plant now (March) full list in March (284) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (323) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (185) →What to plant now (June) full list in June (58) →What to plant now (July) full list in July (26) →What to plant now (August) full list in August (25) →
Feeding
Nutrition.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does narrowleaf plantain flower?
In May–September; the flowers are brown or white.
When do I sow narrowleaf plantain?
In February–August (direct sowing, sow indoors).
Does narrowleaf plantain tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does narrowleaf plantain need?
At maturity 3⅞ in–1 ft 7⅝ in wide and 3⅞ in–1 ft 7⅝ in tall; recommended spacing 9¾ in.
Sources (12) Checked 19 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- rhs.org.uk
- illinoiswildflowers.info
- pladias.cz
- api.gbif.org
- semo.cz
- kraeuter-und-duftpflanzen.de
- ema.europa.eu 2
- yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, Slovakia
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