Basil Thyme
Acinos arvensis

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Acinos arvensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Dry sunny banks and in fields on chalky, gravelly and sandy soils.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to the Mediterranean and east to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The flowering tops are used as a flavouring and in salads. Said to be similar to thyme in odour but milder and more pleasant. The plant is only faintly aromatic and does not really make a very good substitute for thyme.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Basil thyme was a great favourite of the ancient herbalists, though it is little used medicinally at present. The herb is diuretic, odontalgic, rubefacient and stomachic. The essential oil has been applied externally as a rubefacient, whilst one drop of it put into a decayed tooth is said to alleviate the pain. The plant has also been added to bath water, especially for children, and is said to be a strengthener and nerve soother. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and is normally used fresh in infusions.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

The plant makes a good ground cover.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil, though it prefers a light well-drained dry soil in full sun. Prefers sandy and alkaline growing conditions. Dislikes shade. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c. A short-lived perennial, but the plants usually self-sow when they are growing in a suitable position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. thymoides. Calamintha acinos. Satureia acinos.