Wild basil
Clinopodium vulgare · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wild basil: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- July to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Clinopodium tolerates drought well once established. Water regularly during the first year to promote rooting, then reduce watering. During active growth, keep the soil lightly moist without excess. Avoid standing water which can cause root rot.
Exposure
Plant clinopodium in full sun for abundant flowering and better concentration of essential oils. Partial shade also works, but the plant will be less dense and flower less generously. Protect it from strong winds that can damage young stems.
Soil
Clinopodium adapts to many soil types as long as they are well-drained. Poor or chalky soil poses no problem. Improve very compacted soil with sand or gravel to ease drainage. No rich potting soil amendment is necessary.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage dense branching. In late winter or early spring, cut out dry or damaged stems. Leaves and flowers can be harvested in summer for fresh use or drying.
Fertilizer
Clinopodium is not demanding: moderately fertile soil is sufficient. A balanced fertilizer application in spring can boost growth, but it's not essential. Avoid overly rich fertilizers which reduce the concentration of aromatic compounds.
Diseases and pests
Clinopodium is very robust and rarely affected by disease. Powdery mildew can occur with excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Improve ventilation and avoid overhead watering. Pests are rare thanks to its natural properties.
Did you know?
Wild basil was used in the Middle Ages as a medicinal and aromatic plant, notably in herbal tea. Its scientific name Clinopodium comes from ancient Greek klina (bed) and podium (foot), a poetic reference to its flowers arranged in pseudo-whorls reminiscent of a bed. Once called 'thumbwort' or 'bastard marjoram,' it long rivaled marjoram in European herb gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- SageSalvia officinalis
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.