Also known as Wild Basil · 46 saves
Clinopodium
Clinopodium, the genus most gardeners know as wild basil. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Clinopodium varieties
2 species of Clinopodium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
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 5 most-grown of them.
The Clinopodium year
- DivideMarch and April80% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if center vigor declines
- PruneSeptember80% of varieties
Cut back old dead topgrowth to ground level before spring shoots appear.
- HarvestJune–September60% of varieties
Harvest leaves and stems before flowering for strongest aroma
- PlantApril and October40% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring after frost or early fall
- Spring CleanupMarch40% of varieties
Cut back old, woody stems to 2 inches in late winter/early spring
- Check for PestsJune and July40% of varieties
Inspect foliage undersides for aphids or spider mites during hot spells.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Provide well-drained soil to prevent crown and root rots.
- Cut spent stems back to ground level in late winter before fresh growth starts.
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Neglect pruning after flowering ❌
- Do not over-water or plant in soggy, poorly drained locations.
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 | Fine webbing and stippling on the leaves during hot, dry weather. | Blast the foliage with a sharp stream of water or apply insecticidal soap if infestations persist. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the leaves, especially in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. | Space plants adequately to improve air circulation and avoid overhead 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
Division
- Dig up an established clump in early spring as new shoots emerge.
- Separate the rootstock into smaller sections using a sharp spade or knife.
- Ensure each division retains healthy roots and several viable growth buds.
- Replant immediately into well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
Clinopodium questions
How many types of Clinopodium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Clinopodium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 46 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Clinopodium grow in?
Across its varieties, Clinopodium covers USDA Zones 4–9. 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.