Costmary Seeds

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita), sometimes known as Bible Leaf, Sweet Mary, Mint Geranium, or Alecost, is a charming old-world perennial herb that was once a staple in monastery gardens, colonial herb gardens, and Victorian landscapes. Grown for its attractive silver-green foliage and pleasantly sweet balsam-like fragrance, Costmary has been cultivated for well over a thousand years for culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental purposes. The long, softly textured leaves release a refreshing scent with hints of mint, eucalyptus, and balsam when gently crushed. Although less common today, Costmary is enjoying renewed popularity among herb enthusiasts, pollinator gardeners, and those interested in preserving historic herbs.

Why Grow This Variety?

Costmary is an easy-to-grow perennial that rewards gardeners with fragrant foliage from spring through autumn. It thrives with minimal care, tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, and returns reliably year after year. Beyond its beauty, Costmary has a fascinating history that connects today's gardeners with centuries of herbal traditions. Its aromatic leaves make delightful additions to potpourri, herbal sachets, and historic herb gardens, while its cheerful yellow flower clusters attract numerous beneficial insects during summer.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

The leaves possess a pleasantly mild herbal flavor with subtle notes of mint, balsam, eucalyptus, and camphor. Historically they were used sparingly to flavor beverages, salads, desserts, and ales. Today Costmary is appreciated more for its delightful fragrance than as a culinary herb, although young leaves can still be used in moderation to add unique herbal notes to certain recipes.

Culinary Uses

• Flavoring herbal teas
• Historic ale and beer brewing
• Fresh herb salads (used sparingly)
• Flavoring cakes and desserts
• Herbal vinegars
• Infused syrups
• Garnishes for historic recipes
• Fragrant herb blends

Nutritional & Traditional Herbal Uses

Historically, Costmary was valued in traditional European herbal practices for its aromatic essential oils and soothing properties. While modern gardeners primarily grow it as an ornamental and fragrant herb, historical herbal texts describe its use in teas, tonics, and digestive preparations. As with many traditional herbs, it should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation.

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Tanacetum balsamita
• Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained average garden soil
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Plant Height: 24-48 inches
• Plant Spread: 18-36 inches
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Costmary is remarkably easy to grow and forms attractive clumps that gradually expand over time. Plants tolerate drought well after becoming established and require very little maintenance beyond occasional division every few years. Removing flower stalks after blooming encourages continued production of fresh aromatic foliage.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest leaves throughout the growing season whenever needed. Young foliage contains the finest fragrance and flavor. Leaves may be used fresh or dried for long-term storage in airtight containers. Dried Costmary retains much of its distinctive aroma and is excellent for sachets, potpourri, herbal wreaths, and historical craft projects.

Best For

• Historic herb gardens
• Colonial gardens
• Monastery gardens
• Pollinator gardens
• Fragrance gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Medicinal herb collections
• Dried herb crafts

Pollinator Value

The clusters of small golden-yellow flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and numerous other beneficial insects. Blooming during mid to late summer, Costmary provides valuable nectar and pollen at a time when many spring flowers have already faded, helping support healthy pollinator populations throughout the season.

Natural Garden Benefits

Costmary contributes significantly to ecological gardens by attracting beneficial insects while its aromatic foliage may help discourage browsing by deer and rabbits. The flowers support pollinators, while the dense foliage provides shelter for predatory insects that naturally help control garden pests. Its long lifespan and drought tolerance also make it an excellent low-maintenance perennial for sustainable landscapes.

Historical Significance

Costmary has been cultivated since at least the Middle Ages and was especially valued in monastery gardens across Europe. One of its most famous historical uses was as a fragrant bookmark placed inside family Bibles, leading to its enduring nickname "Bible Leaf." Colonial American gardeners brought Costmary across the Atlantic, where it became a common feature of kitchen gardens and medicinal herb collections. Before modern refrigeration, its aromatic leaves were also used to help freshen rooms, repel insects, and scent linens and clothing.

Interesting Facts

• Costmary is commonly known as "Bible Leaf" because fragrant leaves were traditionally used as bookmarks during long church services.
• The plant has been cultivated for over 1,000 years.
• Its pleasant fragrance combines notes of mint, balsam, and eucalyptus.
• Colonial settlers considered Costmary an essential household herb.
• It belongs to the same botanical family as tansy, daisies, and chrysanthemums.
• The aromatic foliage remains attractive from spring until frost.

Seedman Notes

Costmary is one of those wonderful old-fashioned herbs that deserves far more attention than it receives today. Its beautiful silver-green foliage, delightful fragrance, fascinating history, and excellent pollinator value make it an outstanding addition to almost any herb garden. Whether you're preserving heirloom plants, creating a colonial herb collection, or simply looking for an unusual perennial with remarkable character, Costmary is a truly rewarding herb to grow.

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