Greek mountain tea: planting, harvesting & uses

For centuries now, Greek mountain tea, whether fresh or dried, has been valued for benefiting the soul and body.

Greek mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) was appreciated for its special healing properties among ancient cultures. This low-maintenance, perennial mountain herb, with its lemony taste, is still sought-after today, and it can easily be grown in the garden. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Greek mountain tea, including its benefits and how to care for and propagate it.

Greek mountain tea: characteristics and origin

Mountain tea (Sideritis) comprises the genus of limb herbs, which is assigned to the plant family labiates (Lamiaceae). One of the best known of the more than 200 Sideritis species is Sideritis scardica, or Greek mountain tea. It is sometimes also called ironwort, shepherd’s tea, or simply mountain tea, although these names are also used for other Sideritis species. It originates from the eastern Mediterranean region, where it can be found mainly in the high mountains of northern Greece, as well as in Syria and Iran. Adapted to cold, high altitude locations, this robust mountain perennial can also feel at home in our part of the world. Other Sideritis species that are cultivated as tea plants also thrive in our climates. Syrian mountain tea (Sideritis syriaca), hyssop-leaved mountain ironwort (Sideritis hyssopifolia), golden mountain tea (Sideritis congesta) and Sideritis clandestina can be cultivated in our gardens and brewed into a tasty tea.

As a perennial, Greek mountain tea grows flat-topped and can reach a height of between 30 and 50cm. Greek mountain tea stems produce elliptical leaves that are grey-green and covered with a grey felt. During its flowering period from June to August, Greek mountain tea produces pale yellow, lip-shaped flowers that are grouped together in long spikes. The inflorescences of Sideritis scardica emit a lemony fragrance and serve as a rich source of nectar for many beneficial insects. After flowering, many small clover fruits containing seeds form.

Growing Greek mountain tea

It is worth growing Greek mountain tea yourself, and you don’t even need your own garden to do so. You can also easily grow it on a patio or balcony.

As a Mediterranean herb that is exposed to strong sunlight in its mountainous home, Greek mountain tea should be planted in a warm and sunny location. Greek mountain tea also prefers a dry, nutrient-poor and calcareous soil. Ensure sufficient drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers. A special herb soil, such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost, is suitable for cultivating Greek mountain tea in pots and beds. This compost is peat-free for the sake of the environment and, with its low nutrient content, creates ideal conditions for your Greek mountain tea. To avoid waterlogging, mix a little gravel or sand into the soil and create a drainage layer of expanded clay in the bottom of the pot.

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After the last frosts in spring, plant your Greek mountain tea directly in the bed. There should be a maximum of 4 to 5 plants per square metre, which equates to a planting distance of about 30cm. When growing Greek mountain tea in pots, choose a container with a volume of 5 to 10 litres.

Planting Greek mountain tea in rock gardens or wall cracks that meet its soil requirements is another great alternative.

Tip: Greek mountain tea also looks good in an herb bed next to Mediterranean neighbours such as thyme (Thymus officinalis) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Greek mountain tea care

As a robust mountain herb, Greek mountain tea requires little care. Water sparingly and avoid waterlogging. You may need to water slightly more during especially dry spells. In addition, mountain tea appreciates an annual repotting. To ensure the plant takes root again, this should be done in spring, preferably in March. Carefully dig up the roots with a garden fork and place them in a larger pot with well-drained, nutrient-poor soil. As Greek mountain tea plants prefer poorer soils, there is no need for fertilising. This hardy herb appreciates being cut back in autumn, after the flowering period. To prune your Greek mountain tea, cut the plant down to the base of the stem. This will encourage it to sprout again vigorously the following spring. However, in especially harsh, frosty regions, it is better to leave the dead leaves and stem on the plant over the winter. Then, cut it back in spring before the new shoots appear.

Is Greek mountain tea hardy?

Adapted to the harsh mountain climate, Greek mountain tea is winter-hardy and can also overwinter outdoors at temperatures down to -23 °C. During the cold season, cover it with brushwood close to the ground to protect it from the winter sun and cold. Place potted Greek mountain tea against a house wall to protect it from cold wind and waterlogging.

Greek mountain tea propagation

The easiest way to propagate Greek mountain tea plants is by sowing the seeds. You can even harvest your own Sideritis scardica seeds for this. Sow the seeds between March and May. As Greek mountain tea seeds need light to germinate, only cover with a thin layer of soil. Proceed as follows:

• Lightly press the seeds into a pot with sandy growing soil
• Place the plant pot in a bright place, keeping it moist and at 20 °C
• After germination (1 – 2 weeks), move the seedlings to a cooler place at about 15 °C
• Plant the seedlings in pots or beds after the last frosts in mid-May

You can also propagate by cuttings:

• Cut off about 15cm of the upper shoot and remove the lower half of the leaves
• Put the cutting halfway into a pot with sandy potting compost
• Place in a bright spot and water
• Leave at room temperature and keep the soil moist so that the cutting takes root after about 2 – 3 weeks
• Once the young plants have taken root, plant them out from the middle of May in a sunny, dry and empty space in your garden

Harvesting and drying Greek mountain tea

You can harvest Greek mountain tea as soon as the first blossoms appear in June. The stems, leaves and flowers are used for the tea. It is best to harvest the parts you need on a warm day, preferably before midday and after dew drops on the plant have already evaporated. Greek mountain tea can either be prepared fresh or tied into bundles and hung upside down to dry. For drying and storage, choose a sunny, dry and well-ventilated place to prevent the formation of mould. Dried herbs can usually be stored for several years, but they will lose their aroma over time.

Greek mountain tea benefits and uses

Stems, flowers and leaves are infused with hot water to make an aromatic herbal tea. Greek mountain tea has a lemony, minty flavour with a hint of cinnamon. To prepare it, chop up fresh or dried parts of the plant and brew about 5 to 10g of it per litre of water. The infusion time for Greek mountain tea is up to 15 minutes.

In ancient times, too, Sideritis scardica was picked and infused as a hot drink. Traditionally, the tea was used to calm the body. Nowadays, the ingredients of Greek mountain tea are classified as adaptogens, which are said to promote the health of the human body in various ways. Greek mountain tea includes trace elements such as zinc and potassium as well as various essential oils and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant effects. This is why Sideritis scardica is a great immune-boosting plant that helps fight colds. Greek mountain tea is also used as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems. The herb soothes inflammation in the digestive tract and stimulates metabolism. The psyche is also said to benefit from this herb. Greek mountain tea promotes mental well-being by slowing down the breakdown of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.

As a medicinal plant, Greek mountain tea is not poisonous. However, pregnant women should not consume it, as it can induce labour when taken in high doses.

When plagued by a cold and sore throat, many people try to relieve the symptoms themselves before going to see their GP. Greek mountain tea is not the only remedy for a stuffy nose. Find a wide range of herbs for fighting colds here.