Lesser Calamint: Calamintha nepeta Care
Calamintha nepeta
Lesser calamint care (Calamintha nepeta): Mediterranean herb with a minty scent. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant, loved by bees.
Characteristics
Lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta), or nepitella, is a Mediterranean aromatic perennial with small leaves scented between mint and oregano, much used in Italian cooking with mushrooms and artichokes. In summer and autumn it is covered in clouds of tiny lilac flowers, irresistible to bees. It wants full sun, poor, chalky, well-drained soil and tolerates drought. It stays low, 20-50 cm.
Flowering season
Practical tips
Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.
Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.
Recommended soil: drenante calcareo. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.
Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.
Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.
