Mint Seeds,
Greek Mountain Tea

Greek Mountain Tea is a perennial herb in USDA Zones 7-11, where it tolerates winter lows near 0 F in sharply drained soil. Wet winter ground is more dangerous to it than cold, so plant it in the spring after the last frost, especially in cooler climates. In colder zones, grow it in a container that can be moved indoors during freezing weather, or treat it as an annual. If you're not sure how to find your USDA Zone or local first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

If starting indoors, fill a pot with well-draining soil and moisten it. It may be helpful to scar the seeds lightly with sandpaper to help germination. Sow seeds on the surface and press them gently into the soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, keeping the soil moist until germination. Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them to individual pots or directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Greek Mountain Tea prefers a sunny location with excellent drainage. Water it regularly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as it prefers drier conditions once established. It grows up to 16 inches tall and can spread up to 12 inches, producing pale yellow flowers in late summer. Harvest the leaves and flowers when they are fully developed for the best flavor, typically in the summer​.

• 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 mint 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.