Marrubium vulgare

Horehound is a rugged, old world perennial herb with centuries of traditional use in herbal medicine and sweetmaking. Originally native to Europe and the Mediterranean, it grows well across South Africa and thrives in dry, sunny gardens. The plant forms a bushy clump of woolly, grey green leaves that carry a distinctive musky scent, softened when dried. By mid season, upright stems produce small clusters of white flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects.

The leaves are used to create herbal teas and classic horehound candies, long valued as natural remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Their mildly bitter flavour is tempered with sugar or honey in syrups and drops, while fresh leaves may also be infused into liqueurs or home brewed tonics. In folk medicine, horehound was traditionally used as an expectorant and digestive aid.

Sow seeds in spring or autumn, pressing them lightly into moist, well drained soil. Germination occurs in 14 to 21 days under warm conditions with full sun. Horehound prefers poor to average soil and will thrive with very little attention. Space plants 25 to 30 cm apart to allow airflow and full leaf development.

This herb is drought tolerant and low maintenance once established. Harvest begins around 70 days from sowing. Prune regularly to shape the plant and harvest leaves before flowering for best flavour and potency. Horehound self seeds easily and spreads by runners, so growing in containers or removing flower heads will help limit unwanted spread.

Standard packet contains approx. 200 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 70 seeds