Crested latesummer mint
Elsholtzia ciliata
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Pl. 8A0B — Elsholtzia ciliata
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IOverview
Overview
Crested latesummer mint (Elsholtzia ciliata) is an annual herb native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Cambodia, and various parts of China and Korea. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light: full sun exposure and can adapt to a variety of soil types, from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and reaches a height of about 0.6 meters. Known for its edible leaves, crested latesummer mint is both ornamental and useful as an ingredient in culinary dishes. Its distinctive feature lies in the way it spreads and grows, making it a notable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Crested latesummer mint?
Crested latesummer mint (Elsholtzia ciliata) is an annual herb native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Cambodia, and various parts of China and Korea.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crested latesummer mint thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows as an annual to a height of 0.6 meters. This herb prefers well-draining conditions but will tolerate some moisture. Propagate via seeds for growing from scratch. Harvest its edible leaves for use in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crested latesummer mint for the first time
7steps
Start with easy care and light requirements for Crested latesummer mint.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small pot or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune occasionally for shape and to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain size and promote bushy growth, cutting back by one-third after flowering.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia11 regions
native (11)CambodiaChinaJapanLaosMongoliaMyanmarNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Tuva, Irkutsk, Malaya, Sakhalin, Chita, East Himalaya, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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