Greek mountain tea is a decorative herb that originates from the mountainous regions of the Balkans, mainly from countries such as Northern Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. It is therefore a plant that can withstand harsh conditions. It grows wild at high altitudes (1.000 - 2.500 meters), often on rocky, well-draining soil and in sunny, open areas. It is a Mediterranean mountain plant that tolerates drought and cool nights very well. It is also known as Yellow mountain tea. The small flowers grow in dense spikes and are yellow in color. The leaves are lance-shaped, 4 - 8 cm long, and gray-green to silvery-green. The leaves are also slightly hairy, which helps the plant retain moisture and provides protection from strong sunlight. The leaves have a pleasant, mild fragrance, especially when crushed or dried for use, for example, as tea. Greek mountain tea belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), along with plants such as: dead-nettle, lavender, mint, catnip, basil, sage, marjoram, oregano, self-heal, ballota, thyme, savory, creeping thyme, stachys, germander, horehound, and rosemary.
Use this plant in rock gardens, garden borders, Mediterranean gardens, bee and butterfly gardens, and for its medicinal and aromatic applications. Greek mountain tea pairs well with other plants such as: sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, coneflower, catnip, coreopsis, blue fescue, fountain grass, cornflower, yellow coneflower, and yarrow. Greek mountain tea is very attractive to bees, butterflies, bumblebees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Combine greek mountain tea with other sun- and drought-tolerant plants for a natural effect and optimal growth. Greek mountain tea is also used in herbal medicine for its soothing, mildly anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The leaves and flowers are used as tea or decoction, usually dried beforehand. This plant is also very decorative in borders and rock gardens. Greek mountain tea can also be grown in pots, but ensure good drainage. It flowers from June till August. Non hardy perennial. Height: 40 - 60 cm.
Indoor sowing: February - April
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 40 - 50 cm
Planting distance between the rows: 50 - 60 cm
Planting position: sunny - half shade
Flowering period: June - August
Harvesting period (leaves and flowers): June - August
Indoor sowing can start in February. Sow in trays filled with moist, well-draining soil. Sow shallowly and gently press the seeds down. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of sieved soil, as yellow mountain tea is a light germinator. Maintain an even temperature, especially at night, and avoid letting it drop. The first seedlings will appear after 14 to 21 days, depending on temperature, light, and seed freshness. It may take slightly longer, so remain patient. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. These plants can be placed outside from early May for 10 - 14 days during the day to harden off. After that, place them in a sunny spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Keep them 40 - 50 cm apart. Maintain consistent moisture and keep the area free of weeds.
Outdoor sowing can begin from mid-May, once there is no longer a risk of frost (after the Ice Saints). Sow shallowly and gently press the seeds down or lightly rake them into the soil. Choose a sunny spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 40 - 50 cm apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free. The flowers and leaves can be harvested from June. Harvest the top 10 - 15 cm of the plants (flowers, leaves, and stems). Hang them upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated place, such as a covered area outside or a shed with good airflow. Drying can take 7 - 14 days. Ensure everything is completely dry. Afterwards, the flowers and leaves can be processed. Store them in a glass jar with a lid, a glass container with a lid, or a plastic container with a lid. This way, yellow mountain tea can be stored for a long time (6 - 12 months). Store the containers in a dry, dark, and preferably cool place (not in the refrigerator). Replace the plants after 2 - 3 years.
