Mukasi (Leonotis mollissima), packet of 30 seeds, organic
$4.95
Family: Lamiaceae
Hardy to Zones 9 to 13, otherwise nicely grown as a spring annual, for all practical purposes too big for overwintering indoors in a pot
(White Dagga, Shambala Mukasi) Perennial bush to 5 feet tall and equally as wide, native to East and South Africa, flowering white. Rare. The original seedstock was collected with permission of local peoples on the northern tip of the island of Unguja in the Zanzibar archipelago. This is a very leafy bush that emits a deeply pleasing aroma from its leaves and flowers. The flowers occur in mounting whorls. Traditional usage (TAM): Local people employ this as an intestinal bitter against stomach complaints (tea or fresh leaf chew) and relaxing euphoric (smoke of dried leaves and flowers). The plant prefers rich soil in the sun to part shade and will grow to great dimensions if given water. Copious watering will also deter flowering for some time, so if a smaller plant and more flowers is desired, then water less. Flowering occurs midsummer to frost. The flowers are relished by honey bees, butterflies and other native pollinators. Barely cover seed with soil and tamp well, then keep evenly moist and warm until germination, which is rapid. Work up seedlings in successively larger pots until large enough to transplant to the garden. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
30 seeds/pkt, certified organically grown
In stock
Julia H. –
I’m on the line of zone 7b/8a, so these wont survive the winter in my area. First killing frost is usually early November. Will these be able to mature enough in my climate to produce viable seed in one growing season that I can harvest for the following year?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Julia, Mukasi is a tropical perennial grown as an annual in temperate gardens–it does not survive frost. Yes, we grow this ourselves for seed. The recommendation is to start it early in the spring so that it has time to mature its seeds. Richo
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Margarita Rodriguez (verified owner) –
My Mukasi has sprouted in South Florida. They are in a pot in partial shade under a mango tree. Doing well!
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Richo Cech –
m, good work. these are relatively difficult. once you get them going, though, they are trouble-free. they will do well in FL, as they come from the tropics. r
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