Also known as Wild Basil · 38 saves
Clinopodium
Clinopodium, the genus most gardeners know as wild basil. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Clinopodium varieties
Track your Clinopodium in Sow
Save the Clinopodium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Clinopodium
Whats common across all Clinopodium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Clinopodium year
- HarvestMay–August100% of varieties
Harvest leaves and stems before flowering for strongest aroma
- DivideMarch67% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if center vigor declines
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Neglect pruning after flowering ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Clinopodium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing on foliage | Use neem oil spray |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Clinopodium
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks
Seed sowing
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
Clinopodium questions
How many types of Clinopodium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Clinopodium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 38 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Clinopodium grow in?
Across its varieties, Clinopodium covers USDA Zones 6–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Clinopodium bloom?
Most Clinopodium varieties bloom in late summer to fall, mid-summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Clinopodium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.