Calamintha Seeds,
Marvelette White

Plant Marvelette White calamintha in the spring after the last frost. It's a perennial in USDA zones 5-7; in colder or warmer zones, grow it as an annual or overwinter it in a pot. You can also start indoors in spring, 8-10 weeks before the last frost. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within two weeks. When transplanting outdoors, space plants 12-18 inches apart to accommodate their spreading habit.

Once established, Marvelette White calamintha is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Regular watering is essential until the plants are well-established, after which they only need water during extended dry periods. Pruning back the stems by half in late summer encourages fresh growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. It generally does not require fertilization, but a light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial if the soil is poor.

• Seeds are mature once the flower heads have fully dried and turned brown. To harvest them, cut the flower spikes and place them inside a paper bag. This allows the seeds to completely dry and drop; you may need to shake the bag gently to help loosen the seeds. Afterward, separate any chaff from the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Many people prefer propagating calamintha plants through cuttings as it is generally easier than growing from seeds. Simply take a cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water until roots develop. Then, plant it in the soil.