This aromatic plant grows on the slopes of mountainous regions of South Africa. Due to demand, it is overharvested. It is most reliably p...Read Moreropagated by seed that is fully matured. It can be propagated by softwood cuttings, albeit with some difficulty.
Seeds have a hard shell, and should be scarified. Clipping the tips of seed coats with a razor blade followed by soaking for 48hrs in a 300 ppm GA solution resulted in 20% germination after 10 days. These plants grow in poor, acidic, rocky soils, and have specific growth requirements - your standard potting soil mix won't do. A medium of sand and coconut coir is generally sufficient. These plants cannot survive where there are significant Phosphorus concentrations. Best results require the use of liquid fertilizers where P=0. Exceeding a paltry 20ppm concentration of P in the growth medium inhibits root growth and kills the plant. Similarly, pH should be maintained at a relatively low 4.5-6.5 for best results.
These plants tolerate a fairly wide range of temps, from 1C-36C (33F-98F), and are drought tolerant, but best succeed with regular watering. They appreciate some relief from direct sun in hot climates. The aromatic leaves are best for harvest in late summer when pulegone content is lowest, but the leaves of plants grown for seed should not be harvested.
This aromatic plant grows on the slopes of mountainous regions of South Africa. Due to demand, it is overharvested. It is most reliably p...Read More