As a sun-loving Mediterranean native, I thrive in conditions that mimic my homeland. I require a very generous amount of direct sunlight to produce the potent essential oils that give me my distinctive aroma and flavor. Please plant me in a location where I can bask in a minimum of six to eight hours of full, unfiltered sunlight each day. While I can tolerate some light shade, my growth will be less compact and my fragrance diminished. I am perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, meaning I can survive winter and return year after year in these regions.
This is my most non-negotiable demand. I absolutely despise having my roots sitting in wet, heavy soil. It will quickly lead to root rot, which is fatal for me. I require a very well-draining planting site. For gardeners with dense clay soil, you must amend it generously with sand, gravel, or perlite. Alternatively, I am exceptionally happy in raised beds or containers, as these environments provide superior drainage. My ideal soil pH is neutral to slightly alkaline, so there is typically no need for sulfur or other acidifiers.
Once my root system is established, I am an incredibly drought-tolerant plant. My philosophy is to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. Please allow my soil to dry out completely between waterings. A deep, infrequent soak is far better for me than frequent, light sprinklings. As for food, I am not a heavy feeder. In fact, rich, fertile soil or too much fertilizer will promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of my flavor concentration. A single, light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer at the start of the growing season is more than sufficient for my yearly needs.
I grow as a low, spreading woody shrub. To keep me bushy and prevent me from becoming leggy, it is vital to prune me regularly. The best practice is to pinch back my stem tips throughout the growing season; this encourages me to branch out. My most important pruning happens just as I begin to flower in mid-summer. While my small white or pale pink flowers are attractive to pollinators, allowing me to bloom directs energy away from leaf production. For the most robust flavor, cut my stems back by about one-third just before flowering to keep my energy focused on creating flavorful leaves.
The optimal time to harvest my leaves is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the day's strongest sun. This is when my essential oil content is at its peak. You may snip individual leaves, but for the best results, use clean, sharp shears to cut entire stems back to a set of leaves. This method of harvesting simultaneously prunes me and encourages new growth. For the most intense flavor, harvest my leaves just as the flower buds are forming.
