Mentha spp. - Mint

Family: Labiatae
Native of Europe

Appearance: Mints have a square stem and opposite leaves. The stems can reach 2 to 3 feet high and produce small flowers in late summer.

Growing Know-How: Plant mint in moist, fertile soil in light shade. Space plants 3 feet apart and divide often to prevent aggressive spreading. You can also plant mints in sunken containers to slow down their spread. Water to keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize lightly to encourage maximum flavor. Note that species of mint interbreed easily, forming many hybrids that blur distinctions between species.

Propagation: Can be grown from root divisions or stem cuttings.

Potential Problems: Keep manure away from mint to discourage rust disease. Remove any yellow-streaked sprigs to prevent the spread of virus. Treat most insect pests with insecticidal soap.

Harvesting and Using: Harvest sprigs just before flowering or as needed. Use the foliage fresh, frozen, or dried in teas, candied treats, or as flavoring for peas, lamb, potatoes, and other foods.

Related Herbs: Many species and hybrids are available. Some have citrus, ginger, and other mint-blend aromas.

Peppermint (M. x piperita)
Peppermint is unique in its characteristic peppermint odor. Flowers are small and purple, appearing in late summer. Try the cultivar 'Mitcham' for strong flavor and dark purple stems.

Spearmint (M. spicata)
Spearmint has the bold spearmint flavor on a rapidly spreading plant that can reach 3 feet high. The 'Himalayan Silver' cultivar is particularly ornamental.

 

Curly mint (M. spicata 'Crispata') Curly mint has curly or crinkled, deep green leaves that have subtle spearmint flavor.

Apple mint (M. suaveolens)
Apple mint has sweet-smelling leaves that are usually round and hairy. The flowers are white to pale purple. It can tolerate drier sites than many other mints. Use the leaves for fresh flower arrangements or dry them for potpourri.

Pineapple mint (M. suaveolens 'Variegata')
Pineapple mint has variegated leaves that have a mild apple mint flavor. It grows to about 16 inches and complements flowering herbs, such as white-flowering garlic chives.

Corsican mint (M. requienii)
Corsican mint is a tiny, creeping plant that only reaches an inch high. Use it between rocks in a moist, shady walk.

English pennyroyal (M. pulegium)
English pennyroyal is an old-fashioned medicinal plant. It's used primarily as an insect repellent today. It will tolerate full sun if given evenly moist soil, and it makes an interesting fragrant ground cover or lawn plant.

 

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