Calamint Herbs

Calamint

From the family Labiatae

Calamintha originated in Europe. It is now well established throughout temperate countries, but sadly it is still not a common plant. Calamint has been cultivated since the 17th century. Herbal records show that it used to be prescribed for women.

Species

Calamintha grandiflora

Calamint

Hardy perennial. Ht 37cm (15in) spread 30cm (12in). Square stems arise from creeping rootstock. Dense swirls of lilac pink flowers appear mid-summer to early autumn above mint-scented, toothed, oval leaves.

Calamintha grandiflora 'Variegata'

Hardy perennial. As C. grand flora but with cream variegated leaves.

Calamintha nepeta

Lesser Calamint

Perennial. Ht 30-60cm (12-24in) spread 30cm (12in). Small purple/white flowers from summer to early autumn. Stems and leaves pale grey and covered in fine downy hairs with small grayish leaves. Its wonderful aromatic scent attracts butterflies and bees.

Calamintha sylvatica ssp ascendens

Mountain Balm

(Mountain Mint)

Hardy perennial. Ht 30cm (12in) spread 20cm (8in). Pale purple flowers in dense whorls from late summer to early autumn. Leaves mid-green, oval, finely toothed and mint scented. A tisane can be made from the leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow calamint's fine seeds in spring or autumn, either in their eventual flowering position or in trays, covered lightly with Perlite. If autumn sowing in trays leave them outside to over-winter, covered with a sheet of glass. As germination can be tricky, autumn sowing is sometimes more successful because subjecting the seeds to all weathers - thereby giving the hot and cold treatment - can trigger the process (see Stratification). When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out and plant up into pots, using a bark, grit, peat mix of compost. Alternatively plant them directly into the chosen site in late spring after hardening off.

Cuttings

Take cuttings of young shoots in spring. This is an especially good method for the variegated grandiflora. They take easily, but keep in the shade until fully rooted and do not allow to dry out. Plant out in final position when fully hardened off.

Division

Once the plants are established they can be divided either in the spring or autumn, either by lifting the whole plant or by the double fork method. Replant immediately either into a prepared site or into pots using a bark, peat mix of compost. If this method is chosen in the autumn, keep in a cold frame all winter.

Pests and Diseases

The leaves are aromatic so this plant is left alone by pests.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Take cuttings from new growth.

Summer: Cut back alter first flowering and keep the plant tidy. Give a feed of liquid fertilizer; this can promote a second flowering.

Autumn: Sow seeds. Cut back new growth after second flowering.

Winter: Protect new growth in frosts below -4°C (25°F). Use either agricultural fleece, bracken, straw, or pine needles.

Garden Cultivation

These plants are indigenous to the limestone uplands and like a sunny position in well-drained soil, low in nutrients. The leaves of C. g. 'Variegata' scorch easily and need some shade.

Harvest

Leaves

Pick either side of flowering for use either fresh or dried.

Culinary

The young minty leaves of the lesser calamint can be added to salads and used to make a refreshing tea.

Container growing

Unsuitable for growing indoors, but can look good growing in containers outside. Use a bark, grit peat mix of compost and a container with a diameter no less than 12cm (5in). C. g. 'Variegata' looks particularly striking in a terracotta pot.

Medicinal

Infuse dried leaves as a tea for colic, and as an invigorating tonic. Use fresh leaves in a poultice for bruises.