Wild Basil Seed

Description

Clinopodium vulgare

Probably more fittingly known as Cushion Calamint, since it bears no resemblance to the culinary Basil. Whorls of small pink flowers up hairy stems appear in mid summer. Prefers chalky heathland and dry sunny hedgebanks.  A good perennial wildflower coloniser since it spreads by rhizome and makes reasonable ground cover.
Very faint scent, although the small, mid-green leaves can still be used as a herbal tea. Lack of scent distinguishes it from Wild Marjoram
Plants are food for one or two moth caterpillars.

Good germination achieved if given 4 weeks pre-chill mixed with damp sand and put in a fridge. Shake to aerate occasionally. Sow on good quality seed compost and barely cover the seed.

Seed from Shropshire