Grow Sideritis scardica from heirloom non-GMO seeds for silvery-green foliage and delicate yellow flowers. A distinctive perennial herb for herb gardens, rock gardens, borders, containers, and sunny, well-drained spaces.
Key Features
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Produces attractive silvery-green foliage with a soft, textured appearance.
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Develops small yellow flowers along upright flowering stems.
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Heirloom, non-GMO seed choice for specialty herb gardens.
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Ideal for rock gardens, containers, borders, herb beds, and sunny landscapes.
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Performs best in well-drained soil with good airflow.
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Adds distinctive Mediterranean and mountain-garden character to outdoor spaces.
Growing Benefits
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Adds silvery texture and contrast to sunny garden beds.
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Works beautifully in rock gardens and compact containers.
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Provides seasonal flowers above attractive aromatic-looking foliage.
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Offers an interesting perennial herb-growing project.
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Complements other drought-conscious and Mediterranean-style plantings.
Seed Specifications
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Common Name: Greek Mountain Tea, Ironwort
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Botanical Name: Sideritis scardica
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Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial herb
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Family: Lamiaceae
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Foliage: Soft, silvery-green, textured leaves
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Flower Color: Yellow to yellowish-white
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Flower Shape: Small tubular flowers arranged in clusters along upright stems
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Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
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Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Light, loose, sharply drained soil
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Water: Low to moderate once established; avoid prolonged wetness
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Germination Time: Approximately 2–6 weeks under favorable conditions
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Sowing Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly
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Spacing: Approximately 12–18 inches
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Growing Zones: Generally suited to USDA Zones 5–9, depending on local conditions
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Flowering/Maturity: Typically flowers during the warmer growing season after establishment
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Uses: Herb gardens, rock gardens, borders, containers, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and ornamental plantings
Growing Tips
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Use a light, gritty seed-starting medium with excellent drainage.
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Sow seeds shallowly and avoid covering them with heavy soil.
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Provide bright light and moderate warmth during germination.
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Avoid excessive watering, particularly once seedlings become established.
Seed Storage
Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark location. Keep them sealed in their original packet or an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Fresh, properly stored seed is preferable for reliable germination.
Important Growing Note
Sideritis scardica is commonly known as Greek Mountain Tea or Ironwort and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The species is valued botanically for its silvery foliage and small yellow flowers.
Although Sideritis has a history of traditional herbal use, this product description is intended for gardening purposes only. Do not make medicinal, therapeutic, or health claims based solely on the plant's traditional use. Verify the botanical identity and local regulations before consuming any plant material.
Unique Facts About Seeds
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Sideritis scardica belongs to the Lamiaceae family, along with mint, basil, sage, and rosemary.
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The plant is native to mountainous regions of southeastern Europe.
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Its soft, silvery foliage gives it a distinctive appearance in sunny garden settings.
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Small yellow flowers are produced in clusters along upright stems.
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The plant is naturally suited to well-drained soils and mountain-style growing conditions.
