6 Things You Need to Know about Growing the Cola Plant, Herb That Smells Just Like Your Favorite Soda!

Have you ever encountered a plant that smells exactly like your favorite childhood fizzy drink? The Cola plant, formally known as Artemisia abrotanum ‘Cola’, is precisely that.

The first time I caught a whiff of the cola plant, I was instantly transported back to my childhood, with memories of soda, cherries, and ice cream floats This remarkable herb bursts with a sweet and citrusy cola fragrance that can transport you back to nostalgic summer days.

This fascinating plant not only adds a delightful fragrance to your garden but is also easy to grow and maintain. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and enjoying this fascinating herb.

Meet Cola Plant (Artemisia abrotanum var. maritma)

The cola plant (in Latin Artemisia abrotanum var Maritima) is a close relative of absinthe, which herbalists call aurone, lemongrass, abrotone, lemongrass, wardrobe lemongrass, or arquebuse. It is a perennial shrubby plant with very fine, grey-green-blue foliage, remarkably aromatic: it leaves a scent on the fingers, even with the slightest touch, that surprisingly resembles cola soda. This Artemisia is grown for its ornamental aspect and to flavor drinks, desserts, or cooked dishes. Plant it in spring, sun, and well-drained soil, and harvest its leaves from the following summer.

1: The Aroma Really is Like Cola

One of the most remarkable features of the cola plant is its scent. The feathery leaves release aromatic oils when you rub them, emitting a fragrance reminiscent of old-fashioned cola with hints of anise and lemon. This scent can trigger nostalgic memories of your favorite childhood snacks and drinks.

For a fun experiment, compare the aroma of the plant to the smell of a fizzy cola drink. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how similar they are!

2: The Taste Isn’t What You’d Expect

Let’s address the elephant in the room: while the cola plant smells like cola, it doesn’t taste like it. I know, it’s a bummer. Imagine biting into a young shoot expecting a sweet, fizzy experience, only to be met with a fleeting hint of cola and lemon that quickly turns bitter. However, this bitterness can be managed.

After poking around for some ideas, I stumbled on a tip from this French chef, Christophe Hay. He says to steep the shoots like tea—five minutes at about 140°F (60°C)—and then strain it. Apparently, this infusion works great in sorbets or gravies. Fancy, right?

But if you’re like me and sorbets and gravies aren’t your jam, here’s a fun summer drink idea. Grab the young shoots (skip the resinous twigs), toss them into a carafe of water, and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours. What you get is a hint of cola flavor—think flat cola without the sugar, more like cucumber or lemon water. A bit of sugar or honey can sweeten the deal, making it kinda like lemonade.

Will I Make It Again?

Honestly, yeah, I think this cola herb infusion might become a seasonal thing.

It’s easy to whip up in the fall or spring when I’m trimming the plant. But heads up—since the plant has alkaloids and essential oils, it’s best to drink it in small amounts. And definitely check with a doctor if you’ve got health concerns, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.

3: Proper Identification is Crucial

Here’s something crucial: if you’re purchasing a cola plant, make sure you’re getting the right variety. The plant’s real name is Artemisia abrotanum. It’s also known under the cultivar names ‘Artemisia abrotanum ‘Maritima’, ‘Maritima Pure’, or simply ‘Cola’. Common garden stores might not specifically label it, so check with specialized herb growers.

The plant tends to get mixed up with other similar-smelling Southernwood cultivars that have scents of absinth, lemon, or camphor. Therefore, it’s imperative to confirm the variety before purchasing.

To avoid confusion, search for ‘Artemisia cola herb’ online. It can be tricky to find in regular garden centers, but specialized herb growers and platforms like Etsy offer it.

4: It’s a Hardy Perennial

If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for herb, look no further. The cola plant is a highlight in the realm of low-maintenance gardening. A perennial by nature and frost-hardy, you only need to plant it once. This herb will come back each year, ready to fill your garden with its unique scent.

Semi-evergreen by definition, its robust nature means it may lose some leaves in the winter but never fear—it’ll be back in full swing come spring. The minimal upkeep makes it perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.

5: The Artemisia ‘Cola’ Herb Is Easy to Propagate

First, choose a healthy stem from the plant you just dug up. You want to select the top part of the stem for this.

Once you’ve selected your stem, use a sharp knife or garden shears to make a clean cut. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving the top intact. This helps the cutting focus its energy on root development.

Next, prepare a pot with potting soil or even poor soil. The Cola Plant cuttings are quite hardy and can root easily. Place the cutting into the soil, ensuring the bottom nodes are buried. You can group several cuttings together in one pot.

Repeat this process with more cuttings. Each stem can potentially become a new plant, so don’t be shy about making multiple cuttings. This is a fantastic way to multiply your Cola Plant collection.

6: The Cola Plant Will Do Well in Either Full Sun or Part Sun

When planting your cola herb, choose a spot that offers full sun to partial shade. Given its Southern European roots, it thrives under warm, sunny skies but can adapt to less sunny areas of your garden as well.

Mix it up in your herb garden next to lemon balm, sage, and other aromatic herbs. This makes a ‘sensory corner’ where you can bask in an array of scents. It likes well-drained soil. Sandy or calcareous ones are excellent, but we bone up on this—it will flourish in just about any type of soil as long as it’s well-drained.

Conclusion

The cola plant is an exceptional herb that brings a delightful cola scent to your garden. By ensuring you get the correct variety, planting it in suitable conditions, and following health precautions, you can enjoy this unique herb for years. Its hardy nature and striking fragrance make it a must-have for any herb garden. Happy gardening!