Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) Elsholtzia ciliata
Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) (Elsholtzia ciliata) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to East and South-east Asia. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 50 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (raw in herb plates) |
| Native to | East and South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)
- How far apart should I plant Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Vietnamese balm (kinh giới) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Vietnamese balm (kinh giới). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Lemony mint-like leaves for phở and bún. One-sided purple flower spikes in autumn (short days).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare