Herbs in Mediterranea Soil-less Mix

Mediterranea
Soil-less Potting Mix

A special blend of natural ingredients that makes it ideal for Mediterranean herbs and high-pH loving plants.

Coarse and quick-draining, Mediterranea helps plants averse to humid conditions do better in our tropical climate.

Available exclusively at Thyme Square
Tel (02) 411-6868

TOPICS

Best Potted Plants

Choosing the Pot

The Right Potting Mix

How to Repot

Fertilizing

Wise Watering

Propagating
from Seeds

Propagating
from Stem Cuttings

All herbs on this page do best in Mediterranea Soil-less Potting Mix
available exclusively at Thyme Square

Information about medicinal qualities of herbs are shared here as general information and are not prescriptions in lieu of professional medical advice.

BAY LAUREL is an aromatic evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region; in the Philippines, it can definitely be grown successfully in pots. It is used extensively in French, Italian, Spanish cooking, to name a few. Keep a plant near your kitchen for convenient picking. The fresh leaves are used in soups, fish, meats, stews, puddings, vinegars and beverages. Keep bay laurel potted under an awning or a patio that receives lots of sunlight. Do not overwater; avoid exposing to torrential rain. BACK TO TOP

GREEK OREGANO can turn an ordinary homemade pasta dish into a fine dining experience, so be sure to keep one potted plant by your kitchen. Place it where it will get lots of sun. The plants' hairy leaves help them withstand truly hot weather -- which is why they can be a bit tough to grow under our humid, monsoon-ridden conditions. They are prone to root rot so avoid over-watering or exposing to non-stop rain. In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables.
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LAVENDER can only thrive in pots in the Philippines. Water the plants sparingly; they are very well adapted to prolonged drought. The long, slim, thick leaves are its mechanism for preserving water.. Water only when the potting mix has dried out. Aromatic oil glands are most concentrated in the flowers which are used to flavor sweets, vinegar and to perfume potpourri. The question is, can they flower in our hot and humid climate? Yes, they can. The photo on the left is of a lavender plant raised from seed in a pot at Thyme Square -- right in the heart of Quezon City. BACK TO TOP

LEMON BALM has so much to offer today's highly stressed urbanite. Leaves steeped in hot water make an excellent tea that treats insomnia. The plants' gentle sedative oils relieve tension and stress reactions, thus acting to lighten depression. It is also said to be effective against headaches associated with tension. Because of its delicate lemon flavor, lemon balm also has wide culinary potential. Apart from fresh leaves being an attractive garnish, chopped fresh leaves can be used to to add zest to sweet or tangy dishes. BACK TO TOP

MINT grows like ground cover -- spreading its long branches outward and taking root as it spreads. This makes growing mint in pots mandatory, to keep it from gobbling up the space of other plants around it. Always grow only one mint plant per pot. Peppermint (pictured) is best for flavoring. Spearmint is ideal for teas and other beverages. Many other varieties provide subtle nuances in flavor -- from chocolate to apple and pineapple. Mint teas are a refreshing alternative to coffee, and it has additional antiseptic, antiparasitic, antiviral and sweat-inducing properties. Give it full to semi sun. BACK TO TOP

ROSEMARY is one of the most popular and fragrant herbs. The leaves flavor meat, chicken and potatoes. Great with orange slices. Tea relieves nervous headaches. This is one of the Mediterranean herbs extra sensitive to too frequent watering. Highly prone to root rot. Many gardeners mistake the browning leaves to be a sign of underwatering and water it even more -- thus speeding up its demise. Water only when the potting mix is dry, then water generously. Shield from too much rain. Full to semi sun. In the tropics, positioning pots near the exhaust vents outdoors of air-conditioning helps give it the dry conditions it prefers. BACK TO TOP

SAGE is a must for every home -- it's like a living medicine bottle. Drink sage tea when you're feeling a bit under the weather. Leaves have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Sage tea is also good for sore throat when gargled. As a culinary treat, it's for poultry and rich meats, homemade sausages, omelets, cheese and bean dishes. Do not overwater; shield from too much rain. Give full to semi sun. BACK TO TOP

THYME is indispensable in French cooking. Add leaves to soups, stews, poultry stuffing, roasted meats, and vegetable, cheese, or egg dishes. A rather tricky plant to grow in the tropics because of its extreme sensitivity to humidity. Shield from rain. Never allow the leaves to stay wet overnight. In fact, it would be best to avoid wetting the leaves when watering. When applying foliar fertilizer, apply before 10 am, once a week. Give it lots of air circulation; even the outdoor exhaust vents of air-conditioners will help. Grow in small, clay pots in full to semi sun. BACK TO TOP

VIETNAMESE CORIANDER, also called Rau Ram, is often used interchangeably with Cilantro. But Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a cool weather annual. In contrast, Vietnamese Coriander (Polygonum odoratum) is a hot weather perennial, making it far easier to grow for gardeners in the tropics. The genus name Polygonum refers to the many sections of the stems which grow coarsely from joint to joint. It grows rapidly and can outgrow its container quickly. When this happens, transplant to a larger pot or divide and repot. Vietnamese Coriander grows best with afternoon shade or all day filtered sun and plenty of water. BACK TO TOP