Lion's Ear stems with foliage on blue background.

How To Grow Mint Seeds (Lion's Ear or Klip Dagga)

Updated on Dec 29, 2021
By Shannon McCabe

Latin name Leonotis nepetifolia is a member of the mint family. Tall, evergreen tropical plant produces loads of stunning peachy-orange flowers irresistible to hummingbirds. Caution: This plant is a mild narcotic. Hardy from USDA zones 9-11.

HISTORY

Native to tropical Africa and southern India, it has been used as a folk medicine throughout history of Africa for treating numerous ailments, and has shown some promise in clinical studies.

USES

  • Ornamental.
  • Traditional medicinal uses.

Lion's Ear stems with foliage on blue background.Lion's Ear stems with foliage on blue background.

  • Seeds germinate in 7-21 days.
  • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-75 F.
Close-up Lion's Ear flower on blue background.Close-up Lion's Ear flower on blue background.

  • Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Provide well-drained soil. Space plants 3-4 feet apart.
  • Plants reach 8 feet tall.
  • Winter hardy from USDA zones 8-11.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Typically a pest- and disease-free plant.
Lion's Ear growing in garden reaching out to a blue sky.Lion's Ear growing in garden reaching out to a blue sky.

  • Wear gloves when saving these seeds, as the flowers can be spiky.
  • Allow seedheads to dry on plants and shake over a bag to remove seeds.
  • Winnow to separate seeds from chaff.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
Lion's Ear stems on white background.Lion's Ear stems on white background.