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

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

The genus teucrium belongs to the Labiadas family and is made up of 300 shrubby and lively 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 Salvia.

When to sow Teucrium plants?

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 , which adapts very well to a large number of different situations, even in areas close to the coast.

They are very appropriate for Mediterranean gardens by the sea and also in planters because they hang. Teucriums are 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 conditions, 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 cultivated better and develops with fewer phytosanitary problems. It is not demanding on the soil but needs good drainage

Teucriums only need a compost 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 hydric and nutritional requirements of plants vary according to the cultivated species, their state of health and age; the type of soil, the weather among others.

Teucrium requires moderate watering throughout the year as it does not need much water and it withstands drought well. Overwatering 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 annual rainfall is usually rather scarce.

It is afraid of waterlogging, so it is advisable to check the humidity of the soil before proceeding to water it; to reduce the likelihood of root rot.

How do we sow a Teucrium plant step by step?

The teucrium multiplies by seed in spring and cuttings in late summer. Each of the methods requires specific steps:

Sowing through seeds

If it is the cultivation of teucrium through seeds :

1. Filling a tray with seedlings substrate universal culture
2. Water conscientiously.
3. Place a maximum of two seeds in each socket, and cover with a thin layer of substrate.
4. Spray water on the surface.
5. Place the seedling tray outside , in full sun.

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

Multiplication by cuttings

1. Cut a piece of about 40cm long without flowers ,
2. Impregnate the base with homemade rooters
3. Plant in a pot with vermiculite
4. Keep the pot protected from direct sun.

In about a month, it will emit its own roots.

What favorable associations do they have?

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

What pests and diseases attack Teucrium plants?