As a Mediterranean native, my very essence is tuned to warm, sunny, and relatively dry conditions. I thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. In these zones, my roots can survive the winter dormancy. If you live in zone 5, a protective layer of mulch over my base after the ground freezes will help shield me from harsh freezes. For my friends in zones 10 and above, the intense summer heat and humidity can be challenging, promoting fungal diseases. In these areas, I prefer life in a container where you can better manage my soil and moisture.
Sunlight is my lifeblood. To produce the potent aromatic oils that make my leaves so flavorful, I require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The more sun I receive, the more robust and flavorful I will become. As for my feet, I am not a picky plant, but I demand excellent drainage. Soggy, waterlogged soil is a death sentence for me. Plant me in a lean, sandy, or rocky soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (around 6.0 to 8.0). Rich, heavy clay soils will need to be amended with sand, gravel, or perlite to ensure water flows away from my roots quickly.
My watering needs are simple: deep but infrequent irrigation. Think of the infrequent thunderstorms of my homeland. You should allow the soil around my base to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, provide a deep soak that encourages my roots to grow downward, making me more drought-tolerant and stable. Always avoid overhead watering that leaves my foliage damp for long periods, as this invites mildew and other ailments. Once I am established, I am remarkably drought-resistant and will often thrive on rainfall alone, except during prolonged dry spells.
To keep me bushy and prevent me from becoming leggy and woody, a regular trim is appreciated. You can begin harvesting my leaves once I reach about six inches in height. The most important pruning happens just as my flower buds begin to form in early summer. If your goal is leaf production, you must pinch off these flower buds. This redirects my energy back into vegetative growth, resulting in a denser, more productive plant with more tender leaves. If you allow me to flower, I will divert my energy to producing blooms, which are beautiful to pollinators but will cause my leaf production and flavor to decline.
I can be easily propagated to create new plants, ensuring a continuous supply. The most effective method for a home gardener is stem cuttings. In late spring or early summer, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom half and place the cut end in a well-draining potting mix. Keep it lightly moist and in a bright, indirect light location. Within a few weeks, roots should develop, and you'll have a new, genetically identical plant ready to be hardened off and planted outdoors.
