GREEK MOUNTAIN TEA

Sideritis syriaca

This pretty plant is native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region and grows wild at high altitude. Soft fuzzy leaves are similar to those of Lamb's Ears. Tea is made from the dried aerial portions of flowering plants and is widely considered a panacea both internally and externally, but is worth drinking without medical necessity. Perennial in well-drained soils as far north as Zone 6, but easily grown as an annual. Best flavor and higher essential oil content in dry soils. Drought tolerant. Attractive to pollinators.

Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost: lightly scarify seeds with sandpaper; press seeds into moist well-drained soil, barely covering with additional soil or fine vermiculite; mist generously with warm water; cover with plastic; kept warm (70F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate in a week or two. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 3" containers full of sandy soil in bright light. Transplant to larger containers as necessary until transplanting outdoors into well-drained soil in full sun after the last frost. Water just until established.

Mountain Tea is easy to grow. An excellent selection for the herb garden. Harvest and dry flowering stems at any time. Several harvests may be made in a single long season. Gently crush and store in a jar or tin. Use one rounded teaspoon per 12oz of water. Delicious.

Packet contains 50 seeds.