Lesser Calamint Seeds Seeds Piccolo Seeds
Lesser Calamint Seeds — Default Title
Lesser Calamint Seeds Seeds Piccolo Seeds

Lesser Calamint Seeds

£2.99

FREE tracked delivery on orders over £60

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Description

Lesser calamint is two plants in one: an Italian kitchen herb and one of the longest-flowering perennials a bee could ask for. Neat, bushy clumps of small grey-green leaves smell of mint and oregano, and from midsummer into autumn they disappear under clouds of tiny pale lilac to white flowers. In Tuscany and Rome it is known as nepitella or mentuccia, cooked with mushrooms, artichokes and courgettes. Clinopodium nepeta is hardy and drought tolerant, at home at the front of a sunny border, in gravel or in a pot. It should not be eaten during pregnancy.

Sowing and growing

  • Sow indoors March to May on the surface of seed compost; the seed needs light
  • Plant out in late spring, or sow in a seedbed May to June
  • Surface sow and press in lightly; do not cover
  • Germination takes 14 to 28 days at 15 to 20°C
  • Full sun in light, free-draining soil; tolerates dry spells once established
  • Grows to about 30 to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide
  • Pick leaves from summer; flowers July to October, mostly from the second year
  • Hardy herbaceous perennial

What you receive: a packet of about 100 seeds from Piccolo Seeds, with growing instructions on the back.

It belongs with our plants for wildlife and pollinators, and you will find more herbs in our seed collection.

Delivery & returns

Order by 1pm Monday to Friday for same day dispatch. Every plant travels in protective, plant-safe packaging with tracked delivery.

Changed your mind? See our Return Policy.

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In their words

What our customers say

Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.

Emily P.

Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.

James R.

Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.

Sophie L.
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lesser calamint used for in cooking?

In central Italy it is the classic herb for sautéed mushrooms, and it is also used with artichokes, courgettes and lamb. The flavour sits between mint and oregano. Use it sparingly at first, as it is quite strong.

Is lesser calamint perennial?

Yes, it is a hardy herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter and returns each spring. Cut it back after flowering or in early spring to keep the clump tidy.

Is lesser calamint good for bees?

Very. It flowers for months from midsummer into autumn and is constantly visited by bees, and the RHS lists it among plants for pollinators. Plant it near a path or seat to enjoy the scent and the insects.

What is your returns policy?

We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order within 14 days of purchase (not including plants*), or any items are damaged, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at hello@growtropicals.com, and we’ll take you through the process. 

Please note: we cannot be held liable for any packaging costs should the original packaging be discarded.

*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee.

When will my order arrive and how much is shipping?

When placing your order, you can choose from three dispatch speeds to suit your needs: Economy (prepared and shipped within 4-5 days), Standard (3-5 days), or Express (dispatched the very next day). Please keep in mind that "dispatch" refers to the time it takes our team to prepare and pack your items before handing them over to the courier, not the total delivery time.

Shipping costs are based on your total order value and will be calculated at checkout, with free shipping automatically applied to all orders over £60. For a full breakdown of shipping prices see our Help Centre.

Additionally, to protect the health and quality of our live plants, orders containing plants are exclusively shipped Monday through Thursday. This careful scheduling prevents your plants from being stuck in a dark shipping depot over the weekend, ensuring they arrive at your door vibrant and healthy.

Why Grow Tropicals

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Packaged with Care

Packaged with Care

Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.

Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Perfect for Gifting

Perfect for Gifting

From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.

Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.

Sustainability at Heart

Sustainability at Heart

All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.

Good for your home - and the planet.

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