Clinopodiumspp.
One of the delights of gardening is grow one ’s own fresh provision of herbaceous plant – include lesser - do it aromatics such as calamint !
This secret gem of an herb bestow a surprising flavor to savory smasher and is easy to produce in the garden .
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More coarse in cultivation in Europe than in America , calamint industrial plant raise profuse and showy , soft blooms from early summertime to autumn , with a issue of species and cultivars that make fine additions to the garden .
While there are over 180 unlike specie of calamint , we ’ll provide growing and care recommendations for the most common type you ’ll be likely to uprise in the garden , and we ’ll also look at a few other species of interest group .
Here ’s what we ’ll cover :
Photo via Alamy.
What You’ll Learn
What Is Calamint?
Calamint ( Clinopodiumspp . ) is a genus of small shrubs and herbaceous perennial hump for their fragrant leave of absence and flowers .
These plant incline to have a dense , mounding , and shaggy-coated growth habit , with leaves held face-to-face on stem .
Likemint , the stems of these plant are square when viewed in crossing section . Some species have hairy leave-taking , while others ’ leaves are smooth .
They are fleeceable to grayish green , and are normally oval shaped with wavy or serrate perimeter .
The tubular white , lilac , pinkish , ruby-red , or light risque blossom bloom from summertime to autumn , with some even continue on after light frosts .
The herb ’s efflorescence originate at the foliage axil , and with some specie and cultivars , the intact flora seems to be covered with blooms .
To set the record direct , we ’re not talking aboutcatminthere – or aboutcatnip .
Just as the two herbscatnip and Nepeta cataria are often confounded , the subject of our clause is sometimes confused with Nepeta cataria , and clearly so !
There are similarities between these herb .
However , whilecalaminttends to produce flowers along root of the plant , nestled among its leaves , that other herbaceous plant , catmint , tend to have spike of flowers held mostly above the leafage .
Were you looking for Nepeta cataria instead?Read all about catnip in our clause !
Cultivation and History
The genusClinopodiumis broadcast across a wide geographic range , growing in temperate to tropic regions across the world in locations that include Africa , Asia , Europe , North America , and South America .
Formerly classified botanically asCalamintha , theClinopodiumgenus includes 186 different coinage of plants .
These herbaceous perennial and humble shrubs . are members of the mint family or Lamiaceae , just likespearmint , savoury , flame nettle , andbee balm .
The word “ calamint ” trace its origins back to the Greek “ kalaminthe , ” mean either “ odiferous industrial plant ” or “ beautiful mickle . ”
reference to the herb appear in English language medicative texts from the 1500s in which the healing property of the plant were glorify .
In “ Culpeper ’s Complete Herbal , ” put out in 1826 andavailable via Amazon , English botanist and herb doctor Nicholas Culpeper identify calamint ( though he does n’t indicate which metal money ) as a diuretic and antiparasitic as well as a cure for those with shortness of breath or an “ old coughing . ”
advanced investigationsinto these plants ’ medicinal properties show that crucial rock oil of the herbC. nepetaare antioxidant , antimicrobial , and anti - incendiary .
In addition to its potential medicative uses , calamint leaves can be used culinarily – and itsflowers are edibleas well !
We ’ll dive in to the flora ’s culinary use afterward in the article , so keep reading .
Whether you ’re grow this herb for its likely medicinal property , as a culinary spice , or to lighten up your garden , the recommendedUSDA Hardiness Zonewill variegate depending on the species .
The two most commonly grown garden calamints are hardy in Zones 5 to 7 , for lesser calamint , and Zone 5 to 9 , for showy calamint .
In many locations , gardener can count these plants among thecold - stout herbs that can live wintertime !
Note that some of these specie may get away cultivation and be considered as weeds , naturalised species , or invasives depending on the locating .
break your body politic ’s invasive species list to find out if this is a business in your surface area .
Calamint Propagation
Calamint is an herb that can be disperse from seeds , cuttings , or via division . rent ’s look at all three methods as well as how to graft potted plants – we ’ll start up with growing from semen .
From Seed
Growing calamint is an early spring task – sow these herb seeds around eight weeks before your middling last Robert Frost .
In addition to ejaculate and two- or four - inch glasshouse pots , you ’ll want a seed - commence spiritualist , such as Organic Mechanics Seed Starting Blend .
Organic Mechanic ’s Seed Starting Blend
you may find Organic Mechanic ’s Seed Starting Blend in an eight - quart bag , available to buy via Amazon .
Once you have gain your supply , fill the greenhouse pots with growing medium , leaving about an inch of space between the top of the soil and the lip of the pot .
Next , take two or three seeds – these are quite modest so manage with care ! – and dust them on the aerofoil of the growing medium , adjure them into the territory lightly .
Water lightly and direct the nursery pots in shiny , direct light .
While wait germination , keep the soil evenly moist . Germination should go on within one to three weeks .
spring up calamint from source is much like farm mint since these herb are part of the same family . For more guidance , be sure to reviewour tips for growing mint from seed !
From Cuttings
Calamint can be propagated by rooting cuttings from a ripe plant during spring or summer .
apply a sterilized pair of scissors orgarden prunersto take a cutting with four or five pairs of leaves .
Prepare a four - inch nursery pot by fill up it with farm medium to within an inch of the rim .
Use a pencil , a chopstick , or your finger to poke a hole in the kernel of the pot .
Remove the bottom three pairs of leaves from the herb film editing , then dip the radical of the cutting into rout hormone .
Olivia ’s Cloning Gel
Do you need some root hormone ? You ’ll find Olivia ’s Cloning Gel in two- , four- , or eight - apothecaries' ounce bottlesvia Arbico Organics .
Next , stick around the press clipping into the kettle of fish , then conjure the growing sensitive gently down and around it so the cutting is strong .
come out the potted film editing in a umbrageous location , and irrigate it in .
Keep the soil moist . The slip should root within three to four week . Gradually transition the rooted cutting into full Sunday .
If you ’re rooting cuttings indoors or in agreenhouse , harden them off before plant them alfresco in the garden .
To harden off Modern plant , localize them outside in a shady , protected location for a couple of hours . Over the next several days , gradually increase the plant ’s exposure to sun and air current while increase the amount of time out of doors .
Acold framecan also be used during this outgrowth .
Finally , set the calamint plants in their intended location in your garden for a day or two before constitute to reduce the risk of infection of transplant cushion .
From Division
gardener canalso propagateClinopodiumspecies via division in spring or crepuscle .
waitress until the works has gotten established before seek division – you may even wish to wait until it is grow larger than its grant space in your landscaping .
When you ’re ready to divide , snaffle a shovel and cut out a section of the plant , make certain to take some rhizomes with your partition .
Then replant the fresh specimen directly into a pre - dug hole , or fix it temporarily in a nursery pot .
Need further instructions?Read our article for a arrant guide to part perennials !
From Transplants
Once you have a potted calamint plant that you have either arise yourself or buy from a glasshouse , you ’ll want to establish it in the ground – unless of line you choose to grow it in a pot for good .
If that ’s the subject , be sure toread our clause on grow herbs in containers .
On the other hand , for herbaceous plant specimens destine for life lived at footing level , the transplant process is jolly square .
After the plant has been hardened off ( if necessary ) , nurseryman should ready the develop field by removing any weeds from the soil .
Use a shovel , trowel , orhori horito dig a jam twice as all-inclusive as the nursery peck and a couple of inches profoundly .
Depending on the species ofClinopodiumyou’ll be growing , you may want to add a fistful of well - rottedcompostto the fix as an amendment .
Remove the flora from the nursery pot , taking care not to pull it out by its foliage – instead , compact the side of the pot , tilt it down , and comfort the root ball out of the mess .
rough in up the herb ’s roots by rubbing your paw along them – peculiarly if the plant is radical bound .
If any maturate mass medium is released from the roots of the plant , put it in the kettle of fish . Now add some of the land you removed from the hole and desegregate it with the compost and growing medium .
Situate the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground , removing or adding soil beneath the source ball as needed .
Once the herb is at the right level , backfill with the distant soil , then press gently around the plant so the mess is well filled with soil but not compact . Water in well .
Keep the grease moist as your transplant gets established – it may postulate to beirrigatedif your fix lacks regular rainfall .
How to Grow Calamint
Most coinage of calamint you ’re potential to grow at home will perform well in your garden , yard , or landscape gardening when locate in full sun .
However , iffull sun is like a flak furnacein your location , these flora will be happy to receive some good afternoon shade .
These tough herbs tend to do well in sandy , loamy , jumpy , or shallow well - drained soils – as well asaverage eccentric garden soil . Depending on the species , plants will thrive in acidic or neutral stain and may even grow in very alkaline soils .
Your plant may involve more frequent tearing for the first calendar month or so after planting depending on the weather in your location .
After this initial honeymoon catamenia in which you coddle your calamint , bring home the bacon the plant with infrequent but deep soak for the first year – unless of course you receive quite a little of rainfall . In that case , lease the clouds do the work for you !
Once established in the garden , calamint has some drought leeway , though it ’s best to not let the dirt go pearl dry .
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
calamint require little upkeep , especially if you choose the right case for your grow conditions . You ’ll learn about several dissimilar species of this herb in the next section , so keep reading !
Many species ofClinopodiumwill form their own ground cover as they mature , but while plants get found , verify to weed around them to prevent dope from overpowering these herbs .
Place mulch around the plants to discourage skunk growth , foreclose moisture exit , and regulate dirt temperature . Mulch should be utilise in a layer two to four inches buddy-buddy , but take maintenance not to bury the prow in mulch .
Not indisputable what to use?Read our article on mulch for low maintenance gardeningto choose the beneficial choice for your garden !
As for fertilizer , many types of calamint will do just fine without it – peculiarly native type grown in their natural reach .
For gardener who are willing to put in the redundant effort to encourage loads of blooms , apply a handful of compost to the dirt every few week during the growing season will do the job .
When apply compost in this means , scoot mulch by from industrial plant , skim compost into the soil , piss in , and replace the level of mulch .
Some mintage of calamint may not need pruning . Those most commonly grown in the garden can be burn back to six in tall in the spring to keep plant life looking tidy .
Calamint Species and Cultivars to Select
As this plant is relatively unknown in the United States , sourcing both seeds and transplants is n’t as easy as with some of the more popular garden herbaceous plant , likebasilandthyme .
When seeking out calamint seeds and lively plant , your best bet might be to barter seeds or quest a cutting off from a fellow nurseryman .
You may also find seeds from vendors that specialize in heirlooms or strange plants , specifically herbs .
Here are some of the species and cultivars of this herb that you may require to consider for your garden :
C. Coccineum
permit ’s start with an unexpected option – one with scarlet - colored blooms !
If you ’re a gardener who favour native plants and are locate in the Gulf Coast region of the US , scarlet calamint ( C. coccineum ) is a species you ’ll want to make out about .
Its plebeian name abound . Also known as “ red Basil the Great , ” “ red mint shrub , ” “ red savory , ” “ scarlet balm , ” “ scarlet wild basil , ” and “ southerly calamint , ” this small shrub is aromatic , rollick bright red flower on wiry stems .
cerise wild sweet basil is aboriginal to sandy coastal part of Alabama , Florida , Georgia , and Mississippi , and it grow to be one to four understructure marvelous with a spread of one to three feet .
This plant grows best in sandy , slightly acid filth and thrives in full sun to part specter with somewhat moist to dry out condition . It can be grown as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 .
With its bright crimson tube-shaped blooms , thisnative wildfloweris a hit not only with gardeners but also with hummingbird , as well as butterfly and bees .
C. Grandiflora
Attractive , relatively with child , pink to purple blossom have earnedC. grandiflorathe nickname “ large - flower calamint . ”
Also called “ showy savoury ” and “ showy calamint , ” this species can extend to 12 to 18 inch tall and 18 to 24 inches blanket . It ’s native to Central Europe , the Mediterranean , and Iran .
hone for the garden , the efflorescence on this herb metal money are fairly large for aClinopodium , reaching one to two inches long .
vauntingly - blossom calamint thrives as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9 , in full sunlight to part spectre . It requires good drainage , and can grow in a wide range of soils .
Variegata
There is also a variegated cultivar ofC. grandiflorawhich will look evenly magical in the garden .
‘ Variegata ’ has the same larger blooms as the unbent mintage , but this cultivar has adorable fleeceable and clean dappled leafage .
C. Nepeta
Probably the most well - eff of the calamints among gardener , C. nepetais commonly called “ less calamint . ”
Plants reach 12 to 18 inches magniloquent and wide and have a bushy growth habit , with minor leaves and blooms that bestow a ticklish texture .
This species has grey - unripe leaves , tiny blossom that are ashen , lilac , or clean amobarbital sodium , and a fragrance nurseryman liken to a admixture between mint andoreganoormarjoram .
Also known as “ mentuccia , ” “ neputedda , ” “ nepetella ” or “ nepitella , ” this herb is aboriginal to Central Europe , the Mediterranean area , and Northern Iran , and flourish as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7 .
Many gardeners the find petite efflorescence and dainty foliage ofC. nepetato be a delightful edge softener .
This species grows well in full Dominicus , flourish in well - enfeeble loam , backbone , or remains dirt , and prefer an alkaline or neutral pH.
Lesser Calamint seed
Ready to grow this fragrant herb yourself from source ? you may purchase camp of 20 lesser calamint seedsfrom Seedville via Walmart .
Lesser Calamint Live Plant in 1 - Imperial gallon Pot
Or if you ’d like the instant satisfaction of full - grow plant , you ’ll happen them for leverage in one - gallon potsfrom Nature Hills Nursery .
In accession to the straight species , there are several cultivars ofC. nepetaas well . Let ’s take care at a few options :
‘ Marvelette Blue ’ has bluish - lavender flowers that are larger than those of the uncoiled specie .
This cultivar is stocky , strain six to eight inches tall and 10 inches wide-eyed . Its stems brook unsloped and hold medium light-green farewell .
‘ Marvelette Blue ’ was a Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner in 2016 .
Like ‘ Marvelette Blue , ’ ‘ Marvelette White ’ is a compact variety ofC. nepetathat has bigger blooms .
‘ Marvelette White ’ grows to be just 10 inches improbable with a 12 - inch spread . Its snow - white blooms arrive earlier than those of the straight species .
Both ‘ Marvelette White ’ and ‘ Marvelette Blue ’ can be used to excellent effect as filler in garden containers .
C. nepetasubsp.nepetahas great flush and leave than the straight species and produces more vigorous industrial plant .
This subspecies was formerly known as its own species , Calamintha nepetoides . It was advert repeated of the year by the Perennial Plant Association in 2021 .
C. Vulgare
C. vulgareis a plant known by the vernacular name “ wild St. Basil . ”
This species ofClinopodiumhas hairy , ellipse or spear - shaped leave-taking , and flowers that are pink , lilac , or purpleness .
Botanists do n’t quite match on which locations this herb should truly call home .
Some say its native range dyad from North Africa to Siberia , and that it is a naturalized ( rather than native ) species in the US , while others claim it is indeed aboriginal to a large portion of the northeast quadrant of North America .
Whoever is good , waste basil grows beautifully in well - drained loam , sand , rocky , or clay dirt , with a pH that is alkaline or neutral .
This plant can be spring up as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9 , in full Lord’s Day , part refinement , or full shade .
Wild Basil Seeds
quick to develop a crop of risky basil in your herb garden ? You ’ll findC. vulgareavailable for leverage in packs of 20 seeds from the Palm Beach Medicinal Herbs Storevia Amazon .
Managing Pests and Disease
Calamint is repellent to bothdeerandrabbits – neither of these occasional garden visitors worry much for its powerfully odorous foliation ! And not much in the way of blighter or diseases vex the herb either .
However , keep an middle out for whitefly , a common garden pest related toaphidsandmealybugs .
To prevent job with whiteflies , focalize first on attractingbeneficial insectsto your garden or railway yard by planting associate plant and insectary plants .
To treat an existing infestation , be sure toread our article on controlling whiteflies .
As for diseases , some gardeners account seeingpowdery mildewonClinopodiumleaves near the last of the growing season .
If the disease is terrible , abbreviate the plant back importantly for a fresh start the next season .
Dispose of infected trimming not in your compost but in the trash , to avoid contamination of future garden planting .
Garden Uses of Calamint
The most obvious use of these plant is to admit them when youstart an herb garden , but calamint can serve many other purpose in the chiliad or garden as well .
For representative , you might apply it as a foundation plant in your efflorescence beds , or incorporate it into afragrant gardenorcut flower garden .
Some of the low - growing coinage likeC. nepetaorC. alpinum(known as “ rock thyme ” ) can be used as anherbal primer coat cover charge . These plant can also be used to shape a flowering moulding or inch along a path or terrace , or can be allow to disgorge over the edges of rockwork .
These herbs can also be apply as insectary plants in the garden and used to draw pollinator like butterfly stroke andbees .
When choosinggarden companionsfor these herbs , consider candidates such ashollyhocks , lavender , purple coneflower , rosiness , salvia , sage , stonecrop , or milfoil .
From a landscaping pattern view , calamints with white flowers will mix well with pretty muchany color system .
Types with blue or purple flowers will face smashing with other blue or imperial garden blooms , such aspurple aster varietiesorblue aster cultivars .
gardener might also opt complementary colors for the blue and purple flower of these herbaceous plant , such as the orange - flush of butterfly weed , atype of silkweed , or the yellow peak ofcoreopsis .
Harvesting Calamint
This herb can be harvest at any clip during the growing season , but some gardeners prefer the taste of the leaf before blossom have blossom .
Calamint has a potent flavor , so for most culinary creations , you may only need to hook a few leaves as needed .
However , you may also wish to glean a larger amount of calamint in purchase order to have a firm supply on hand during the winter .
Take cutting when the plant is wry , using a clean pair of garden pruners and result stems at least six inches long .
Keep in psyche that both calamint leaves and peak are comestible , and prepare the herbaceous plant for preservation soon after harvest .
Preserving
The just means to preserve calamint is through dehydrating , which results in a seasoner much like dried winter sweet , marjoram , orthyme .
Freshly harvested stems should be gargle to clean off any junk or insects , and then allowed to dry out .
Get footstep by step directions for dry sweet garden herb with our clause !
Once the herb is to the full dehydrated , bump off leaves and flowers from their shank , and shoes in an airtight container .
Store dry out calamint on your spice rack – preferably in a cool localisation out of direct sun .
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
One of the easiest ways to use calamint is to make a savory herbal tea with it . Just clean a sprig , rinse off , unconscionable for a few minutes in a loving cup of hot water system , and bask .
If you ’re using calamint in cookery , the type you ’re most likely to use is nepitella . This herb pairs well with earthy sapidity likeeggplant , mushrooms , andartichokes .
Calamint has many traditional uses in Mediterranean culinary art , particularly the different cuisines of Italy .
It ’s also sometimes included as an ingredient in the toothsome Middle Eastern spice mixture , za’atar .
The New American Herbal
To get wind more about this plant ’s culinary United States , be certain to translate the unveiling on this herb in “ The New American Herbal ” by Stephen Orr , available from Amazon .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Calling All Calamints
If we had to clean a downside to this shaggy-haired charmer , it ’s that not enough garden stores carry calamint !
We just call for to get the word out about this beauty of an herb so more stores will stock it , right ?
Tolerant of almost any soil , and offering almost constant summertime bloom , aromatic leafage , and purported medical benefit , calamint sure as shooting deserves a stain in your landscape painting .
Are you a fan of this more or less off - the - microwave radar herb ? Do you have any calamint growing in your own yard or garden ?
require moretips for grow an edible herbaceous plant garden ? We have more guidance for you right here :
Photos by Kristina Hicks - Hamblin © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Revised and expanded from an original clause by Gretchen Heber published August 8 , 2017 . Last update on July 3 , 2023 . Product photograph via Clarkson Potter , Nature Hills Nursery , Olivia ’s Cloning Gel , Organic Mechanic , the Palm Beach Medicinal Herbs Store , and Seedville . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
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Kristina Hicks - Hamblin
