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 2 m high and wide, but the dwarf myrtle only reaches 1 m by 80 cm. 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

• 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 2 – 3 weeks.
• When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, plant in individual pots.
• Myrtle grown from seeds will only start blooming after 4-5 years.