Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) 5 seeds

Common Myrtle - Myrtus communis - 5 Seeds

Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 m tall. When grown in containers, it only reaches a height of around 0.5 m. It originates from the Mediterranean region, but the genus has over 3000 species, some of which grow in Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia and South America. It is very suitable for shaping as bonsai.

The ovate dark green leaves are very aromatic, and the flowers have a long-lasting and strong fragrance. The leaves can be up to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide. The fragrant flowers are small and white. Other species have flowers that are also delicately colored, for example in pink. It blooms throughout the summer from June to September.

Myrtle is frost-resistant down to approximately -8°C and is mainly grown indoors in our regions. The oil contained in the leaves is used in cosmetics, especially for skin and hair. It has significant revitalizing effects. Dried or fresh leaves are used as a spice. Myrtle twigs are traditionally used in grooms' boutonnieres and bridal wreaths.

How to Grow Myrtle

• The plant requires a sunny location. During summer, myrtle can also be placed outdoors in a sunny spot. From spring to summer, water abundantly with settled water. The plant is sensitive to substrate drying out. The plant benefits from misting the leaves. It's best to repot the plant in spring. Ideal winter temperature is around 8-12°C. During warmer overwintering, place the plant away from central heating and reduce watering. The plant responds well to pruning and can be grown as a bonsai. Replace the top layer of substrate annually.

• Soak seeds in warm water for 1 hour before sowing. Sow seeds on the surface of the substrate, which should be the same as for adult plants. The optimal temperature for sowing is between 20 - 25 °C. The first plants will appear after 20 to 60 days. Maintain adequate substrate moisture throughout this period.

• Young plants require lighter soil with a higher peat content, while older plants respond well to medium-heavy, well-draining soil with a higher topsoil content.

• Fertilize plants from spring to autumn every 14 days. Suitable are 0.1–0.2% complete fertilizers that are water-soluble.

• The plant can be attacked by whiteflies, mealybugs and scale insects. During summer outdoor placement, the plant may occasionally be attacked by aphids, which can be removed by showering with soapy water. If the infestation doesn't disappear, use suitable insecticides - Mospilan. Fungal leaf spot and rust can also appear on leaves. Fungal leaf spot can be removed with a fungicidal preparation. Rust is removed either mechanically or with a systemic insecticide.

Photo Sources:
Author: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6174803
Author: Javier martin – Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5086156