Water
Water regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as basil-thyme prefers well-drained conditions and can be susceptible to root rot.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during cooler months.
Also known as Basil Balm · Basil Thyme · Mother-Of-Thyme
Basil-thyme (Clinopodium acinos) is a low-growing, aromatic perennial herb with small, fragrant leaves and whorls of pink to purple flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and fragrance.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as basil-thyme prefers well-drained conditions and can be susceptible to root rot.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during cooler months.
Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch back the tips of stems in spring and summer.
Pruning after flowering also helps maintain a compact form and can promote a second bloom.
Propagate basil-thyme from seeds sown in spring, or by taking stem cuttings from healthy plants in late spring or early summer. Cuttings root readily in moist soil or water, and seeds germinate best with light warmth and moisture.
Repot basil-thyme every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excessive moisture retention.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Basil-Thyme (Clinopodium acinos)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Clinopodium |
| Species | Clinopodium acinos |
Similar in genus Clinopodium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
