🌿 Mastic: Growing Guide
Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 40 °C (23–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pistacia lentiscus |
|---|---|
| Category | Mediterranean Herbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 40 °C (23–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 100–300 cm (39–118 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Very hardy, Mediterranean.
Growing tips
PDO Chios. Unique in the world. Resin used for gum, liqueur and toothpaste.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Mastic: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Mastic: how often should I water it?
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Very hardy, Mediterranean.
Mastic: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Mastic: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Mastic: which plants grow well with it?
Olive, Thyme.
Plan your garden
Add Mastic to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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