Teucrium: [Cultivation, Irrigation, Associations, Pests and Diseases]

Important points when sowing Teucrium

Where to sow? Full light. It needs a lot of sunlight.
When? In spring by seeds and by division of the plant in autumn.
How do we prepare the land? Removed, removing weeds. Substrate with a little manure and some fertilizer.
How do we water? with drip
How often do we water? Throughout the year moderate irrigation.
Plagues and diseases? They are very resistant to pests and diseases, but sensitive to excess moisture.

The origin of the teucrium plant is attributed to Teucrium, king of Troy, who was said to be the one who discovered the medicinal properties of these plants.

The Teucrium genus belongs to the Labiatae family and is made up of 300 shrubby and perennial species originating, for the most part, from the eastern part of the Mediterranean.

The main species are: Teucrium fruticans, Teucrium heterophyllum, Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium pyrenaicum, Teucrium lucidrys, Teucrium aroanium, Teucrium polium, Teucrium flavum, Teucrium scorodonia. It receives the common names of Teucrio, Olivilla, Olivillo or bitter sage.

Characteristics of Teucrium

Common Names: Germander, Wood Salvia.
Life cycle: Hardy perennial plant.
Height: From 12 to 90 cm.
Native: North America, Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
Blooms: During the summer.
Flower details: Pink, blue, yellow, pink, pale green. Bunches. spikes. Tubular. Uniform. The corolla lacks an upper lip.
Foliage: Large genus and great associated variation. Evergreen._ Herbaceous, shrubs and subshrubs. aromatic. Opposite. Petiolates. Triangular. Ovate to oblong. Some species are triply lobed and oak-like.
Outer bristle: On the surface. In early spring, before the last light frosts, or towards the end of fall.
Sowing indoors: Germination time: one month. Temperature: 21°C (70°F). Seven to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant outside after the last frost. Space 20 to 40 cm.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Medium ground. Water lightly during dry periods. Provide anannual subscription. It is best grown in a protected location. Trim stems after flowering to promote bushiness and maintain shape. Propagation: by division or by cuttings in spring.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Closely related species: Mint, Fennel, Lavender, Thyme and Sage.

When to sow Teucrium plants?

The sowing of the teucrium plant is carried out in spring, under protection, to be transplanted later and when its size allows it.

Where to do it?

As for orientation, its perfect location is in full sun, where its maximum beauty can shine and flourish.

The teucrium is a rustic and resistant plant that adapts very well to a large number of different situations, even in areas near the coast.

They are very suitable for Mediterranean gardens by the sea and also in window boxes because they hang. Teucrium is used in both free and clipped form, and is ideal for the formation of isolated groups.

How to prepare the land?

The soils for the cultivation of teucrium do not require any special condition, in terms of quality, since it adapts very well even to calcareous, stony and dry ones.

Many times in calcareous and stony soils it is better cultivated and develops with fewer phytosanitary problems.

It is not fussy about the soil but needs good drainage.

The teucrium only need a fertilization with manure when they are planted in their final place and some mineral fertilizer during spring and summer.

In general, for plants, the type of soil in which to grow is extremely important. Many plants grow rooted in it, feeding on its minerals and the water it contains.

How do we water Teucrium plants?

The nutritional water requirements of plants vary according to the cultivated species, its state of health and age; the type of soil, the climatology among others.

The teucrium requires moderate watering throughout the year as it does not need much water and tolerates drought well. An excess of watering can be very detrimental to the development of the teucrium.

The resistance of the teucrium has made it popular in areas with a Mediterranean or similar climate, since in these places the annual rainfall is usually rather scarce.

It fears flooding, for this reason it is advisable to check the humidity of the soil before proceeding to water it; to reduce the chance of root rot.

How do we sow a Teucrium plant step by step?

Teucrium is multiplied by seeds in spring and cuttings in late summer. Each method requires specific steps:

Planting by seeds

If it is the cultivation of teucrium by seeds:

Fill a seed tray with universal growing medium
Water consciously.
Place a maximum of two seeds in each alveolus, and cover with a thin layer of substrate.
Spray water on the surface.
Locate the seed tray outside, in full sun.

If the process is well done, the seeds will germinate in two weeks.

Propagation by cuttings

Cut a piece about 40cm long without flowers,
Impregnate the base with homemade rooting
Plant in a pot with vermiculite
Keep the pot protected from direct sunlight.

In a month or so, it will put out its own roots.

What favorable associations do they have?

The association of crops of compatible plants produces benefits with respect to their cultivation separately, in addition to the use of light, water and/or nutrients.

In the case of teucrium, it is not documented what kind of favorable associations it has.

What pests and diseases attack Teucrium plants?

Teucrium is a shrub that is highly resistant to diseases and pests, but very sensitive to excess moisture, which could cause some root rot problems.

Care and maintenance

Apply mulch annually. This will help eliminate or hinder the growth of weeds and conserve moisture.
Organic materials, such as sawdust and bark, contribute to soil structure by breaking down. Keep mulch material away from plant stems.
The first summer and fall after planting are very important for young plants; water thoroughly during periods of high heat.
Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer, at the rate of a handful per square meter in spring, when they begin to grow again.
Prune plants to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Teucrium can be cut back several times a year to encourage bushy growth.

Bibliography and references

My First Knowledge Encyclopedia. Snake plants and conservation. Published by Grolier Incorporated. New York, 1961. Pages 80-81.

digital database

Gardencenterejea.com. Teucrium care. Reproduced from: https://blog.gardencenterejea.com/teucrium/
Consultaplantas.com. Teucrium fruticans, Bitter Salvia or Teucrio. Reproduced from: http://www.consultaplantas.com/index.php/plantas-por-nombre/plantas-de-la-sa-la-z/768-cubiertas-de-la-planta-teucrium-fruticans-salvia -bitter-o-teucrio
Verdesvida.com. Teucrium. Reproduced from: https://www.verdeesvida.es/fichas_de_plantas/arbustos-y-trepadoras_1/teucrium_3176
Cuidatusplantas.com. bitter sap Reproduced from: https://cuidatusplantas.com/salvia-amarga-teucrium-fruticans/
Sanchez, Monica Teucrium (Teucrium fruticans). Reproduced from: https://www.jardineriaon.com/teucrium-fruticans.html
Blogdelaplanta.com. Olivilla, teucrium fruticans. Reproduced from: https://www.elblogdelatabla.com/2014/04/olivilla-teucrium-fruticans.html