How to Grow Myrrh
Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha
shrubMyrrh is a thorny, resinous shrub native to arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, prized for its aromatic resin that has been used for millennia in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine. The plant produces small white or pale pink flowers followed by small fruits, but is cultivated primarily for the valuable oleogum resin that oozes from its trunk and branches. This resin hardens into amber-colored nodules known as myrrh tears, which have a warm, slightly bitter, earthy aroma.
When should you plant Myrrh in your zone?
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Example Myrrh timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Myrrh
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Myrrh
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Myrrh dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in hot, arid zones 10-12; can survive in protected microclimates of zone 9b
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Get my Myrrh timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
4-8 weeksSeeds germinate slowly; tiny seedlings emerge with fine cotyledons and minimal foliage
Provide heat (75-85°F), very sandy seed-starting mix, minimal water; use bottom heat to encourage germination which may take 2-4 weeks
Juvenile Growth
1-2 yearsSlow-growing shrub develops compound leaves, thorny branches begin forming; plant remains quite small
Keep in bright light, allow extended dry periods, avoid fertilizing; use pot with excellent drainage; transplant carefully as young plants are fragile
Establishment
1-2 yearsPlant becomes more robust with thicker trunk and established thorny branch structure; foliage remains sparse
Gradually reduce watering frequency; prune lightly to encourage branching if desired; begin hardening off if container-grown before transplanting outdoors
Maturation & Flowering
Ongoing from year 3+Plant develops small white or pale pink flowers; resin begins accumulating visibly on trunk and branches
Maintain strict drought conditions to encourage resin production; do not fertilize; allow natural stress to increase oleoresin yield
Resin Production & Harvest
Continuous once matureResin nodules (tears) harden on stems and branches; plant enters cycles of dormancy and growth
Prune branches slightly to encourage new resin flow; hand-harvest mature resin tears; minimal intervention otherwise
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly; remove by hand; use horticultural oil spray if severe; improve air circulation
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Wipe with alcohol on cotton swab; spray neem oil; maintain dry conditions to inhibit reproduction
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Increase air circulation; spray with water; use miticide if severe; thrips and mites indicate stressed plants
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Primary threat from overwatering; ensure excellent drainage; use fast-draining soil; reduce watering frequency immediately if detected
Uses
Traditional anti-inflammatory remedy
MedicinalMyrrh resin has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to reduce inflammation, support digestive health, and promote wound healing. Modern research supports some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Flavoring and culinary use
CulinaryGround myrrh resin or myrrh essential oil is used as a bitter flavoring agent in beverages, dental care products, and some traditional cuisines, particularly in Middle Eastern and African cooking traditions. [source]
Incense and perfumery
HouseholdMyrrh is one of the world's oldest aromatic resins, burned as incense for its warm, complex aroma and used as a base note in fine perfumery and fragrance formulations for over 4,000 years. [source]
Oral health and mouthwash
MedicinalThe antiseptic and astringent properties of myrrh have made it a traditional ingredient in mouthwashes, gargles, and dental preparations to support gum health and oral hygiene. [source]
Artistic and spiritual practice
CraftMyrrh resin is a key ingredient in sacred incense blends, particularly in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions, valued for its spiritual significance and use in religious ceremonies. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Resin tears begin forming after 3-5 years of growth and can be harvested year-round but are most abundant during dry seasons. Carefully hand-pick hardened resin nodules from the trunk and branches using a gentle twisting motion or pruning knife. Do not over-harvest as this stresses the plant; harvest only 10-20% of visible resin per year. Store dried resin in cool, dry conditions in sealed containers to preserve aroma.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Myrrh is one of the three gifts presented to Jesus by the Magi according to Christian tradition, and its name comes from the Hebrew word 'mor' meaning 'bitter'
- 🌱 The resin can only be successfully harvested from wild or semi-wild plants under natural stress conditions; over-irrigated cultivated specimens produce minimal resin despite vigorous growth
- 🌱 Ancient Egyptians valued myrrh resin so highly that it was used in the mummification process and was literally worth its weight in gold during some historical periods
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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