Growing Buchu

Buchu can be grown from seeds, although the collection of seeds does present problems. The flowering season extends over a number of months so that not all the seeds ripen at the same time. Once the seed capsule has ripened, it spontaneously splits open shooting the seed out in every direction. If, however, the seed is collected before the capsule has ripened, the seed will not be viable. Commercially, flowering shoots are enclosed in cheese-cloth (or pantyhose) to catch the seed when the capsule splits open. Viable seed can be identified by the fact that they sink in distilled water.

The plants flower in South Africa in winter and spring with dainty pink, mauve or white star-shaped flowers. With their bright green coloured leaves, fresh aromatic smell throughout the year, and pretty winter display, Buchu is considered to be an asset to the garden. Most Buchus, however, need to be grown in well-drained, coarse, gravelly and deep soil, with full sun and in a frost-free climate.