Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Planting Herbs in School Scheme2012/13

Thyme Rosemary Mint

Thyme Scientific name: Thymus sp. Common name: Thyme Family: Lamiaceae (Labitae) Native: Mediterranean region

Thyme Growth Habits and Care Thyme prefers a warm, sunn

y and well-ventilated environment and grows well in well-drained sandy soil.

Do not cut off the woody parts of the branches while pruning, as the woody parts are aging that are weak in regeneration ability, the whole plant may die when the woody parts are cut.

Thyme Pest and Disease Prevention Thyme is resistant to pests a

nd diseases If pests or diseases are foun

d, spray the plant with insecticide and fungicide immediately. Remove the infected parts.

Horticultural Application and Economic Value

Thyme has a mildly scented flavour that has a refreshing effect.

Suitable for cultivation in gardens, herb gardens and roof gardens.

Widely used in aromatherapy, perfume production, cooking, making of herb tea etc.

Rosemary Scientific name: Rosmarin

us officinalis Family: Lamiaceae (Labiat

ae) A perennial evergreen shr

ub Native: Mediterranean regi

on

Rosemary Growth Habits and Care Grows well in warm climat

e and cool environment with adequate sunlight

Excessive pruning hinders the growth of new shoots on older branches. Trimming should be restricted to half the length of the branches.

Rosemary Pest and Disease Prevention Highly resistant to pests and

diseases If signs of pest or disease are

found, spray the plant with insecticide and fungicide immediately and remove the infected parts.

Horticultural Application and Economic Value

The stems, leaves and flowers of Rosemary have a unique strong fragrance

Most suitable for cultivation in gardens, courtyards and on rooftops

Used for cooking (such as making lamb dishes, tea, wine and vinegar), making facial masks and bath salts.

Mint

Scientific name: Mentha sp. Common name: Mint Family: Lamiaceae (Labitae) A perennial herb of Mentha Current Origin : Grown in the

United States, Italy, France and the United Kingdom, China as well as some other parts of Asia.

Mint Growth Habits and Care Prefers a warm, moist and

well-ventilated environment Full sunlight Grows best in well-drained

soil with organic matter and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5

Not drought-tolerant and therefore needs plenty of water

Mint Prevention of Pests and

Diseases Diseases: In spring, the

stem of Mint is susceptible to rusts, which dry up the leaves.

Remove infected plants once found. Spray fungicide afterwards.

Pests: Mint is pest-repellent.

Horticultural Application and Economic Value

The leaves of Mint, with a strong, fresh, delicious scent of spearmint, can refresh the brain and stimulate thinking

Mint: An ideal choice for herb gardens and roof gardens

Also be used for cooking and production of herbal tea, medicines, beverages, food, etc.

End