Subscribe and save 5%!
Greek Mountain Tea / Mursalski Tea (Sideritis scardica)
40 SEK
Unit price perOrders received before Sunday morning are packed Sunday to Monday.
See our delivery terms.
In stock - Ready to be shipped
Share
40 SEK
Unit price perSEEDS (20 pcs/bag)
Common names: Greek Mountain Tea, Mursalski Tea, Ironwort, Shepherd's Tea, Greek Mountain Tea, Mursalski Trigradski Tea
Scientific name: Sideritis scardica
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant history & use:
Greek Mountain Tea, also known as Mursalski Tea, has a fascinating history in traditional medicine and culture in the Balkan region. The plant originates from the area below Mursalitsa Mountain in the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria. For a long time, this aromatic herb has been used by the people of the Rhodope Mountains for its medicinal properties and to add flavor to various drinks. Shepherds have for centuries drunk the tea to keep warm and alert during their journeys. The plant's popularity has spread beyond its native lands thanks to its unique qualities and benefits.
Among the most valuable qualities of Greek Mountain Tea is its medicinal value. It has traditionally been used to ease digestive troubles and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. Its aromatic leaves are used to make tea and drinks that provide a refreshing and spicy taste experience.
Most of the genus Ironworts (Sideritis) are called "Mountain Tea," many of which are specifically called Greek Mountain Tea, although not all varieties originate from Greece. As described above, these seeds come from the unique variety that grows just below Mursalitsa Mountain in Bulgaria and has been drunk by the Rhodope people for centuries.
The tea has different taste and effect depending on where it has grown—even if it is the same species. This is partly due to soil and altitude. Teas from Sideritis scardica can thus be distinguished and for example called "Olympus Mountain Tea" if grown on Mt. Olympus in Greece, "Titan Mountain Tea" if grown on Mt. Othrys (Titan Mountain), and "Mursalski Mountain Tea" if grown on Mt. Mursalitsa.
Cultivation:
Greek Mountain Tea thrives best in sunny locations and well-drained soil. This perennial herb loves warmth and is very drought-resistant once established. For best results, the plant should be overwintered frost-free. However, it can survive outdoors in favorable locations in zones 1-2.
To obtain the highest possible content of bioactive compounds in the leaves, harvesting early in the morning is recommended.
Sowing:
Sow the seeds in moist seed soil and cover only with a thin layer of soil. Cover the sowing with plastic equipped with small air holes. Keep the sowing moist. Germination usually occurs within 10 days.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Growing site: sun
Height: 40 cm
Germination time: 5-14 days
Growing zone: 1-2
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.

