Common Myrtle – 5 Seeds

Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a small, bushy, evergreen shrub with small, shiny-green fragrant leaves and a profusion of creamy-white puff flowers at the end of summer – followed by blue-purple berries.Common myrtle can grow up to 5m high, but the dwarf myrtle only reaches 1m by 80cm. It is also known as European Myrtle or True Myrtle. Myrtles have been grown for their ornamental appeal and herbal value for thousands of years.

Common Myrtle Culinary Uses

• The leaves are used in cooking, like bay leaf. The slight citrus flavor pairs well with pork, bacon, veal and lamb; and is also useful in marinades and soups.
• The dried leaves have a less intense flavor and are ground as a rub for pork chops or roast.
• The dried berries are spicy and substitute for ground black pepper. They also sweeten the breath.
• Use the flowers as a garnish in salads, desserts and drinks.

Common Myrtle Medicinal Benefits

• Myrtle leaves are astringent, tonic and antiseptic and is used to clean and heal external wounds.
• Myrtle sprigs can be used to ease bruises, strains and sprains.
• Internally, a myrtle infusion is reputed to relieve colds, chest infections, sinusitis and urinary-tract infections.
• A myrtle bath helps soothe tired muscles.

Growing Common Myrtle

Indoor Sowing: Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Early Spring and Autumn.

• Sow seeds in autumn or early spring on the surface of the substrate, consisting of equal parts of peat and sand.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of the same substrate over the seeds.
• Requires temperature of at least 20 degrees celcius for germination to take place.
• Germination in about 1 month.
• When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, plant in individual pots.
• Myrtle grown from seeds will only start blooming after 4-5 years.