Peppermint

Profile

Family

Lamiaceae

Habit

perennial

Height

0.9 m

Spread

0.2 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

5 years

First yield

after 1 year

Hardiness

zone 3–10

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

6 – 7

Synonyms

M. aquatica citrata, M. citrata

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Leaves can be consumed raw or cooked to add flavor to salads or dishes. True Eau de Cologne mint has a strong taste, while the 'Basil' variety is a suitable alternative to basil in pesto due to its excellent flavor. The leaves, whether fresh or dried, are also suitable for brewing herbal tea.

Medicinal: The plant's root is utilized for treating rheumatism and cancer, while the whole plant is used for alleviating skin allergies and in cancer therapy.

Other uses: Lavender oil, extracted from the entire plant, is utilized in perfumes, oral care items, and personal care products. Historically, lavender served as a natural insect and rodent repellent, particularly in granaries due to rodents' aversion to mint scent.

Growing

An easily cultivated plant that grows well in various soils and conditions, except very dry soil. It does particularly well in heavy clay soil and prefers a sunny location for optimal essential oil production, although it can also thrive in partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic soil and can withstand neglect, even growing well in tall grass. This plant readily hybridizes with other genus members. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial companion plant for cabbage and tomatoes to deter insects. To prevent its aggressive spread, mint is best grown in containers alongside other plants. The entire plant emits a strong minty scent with a hint of ginger. Better quality essential oil is produced when the plant is grown in dry soil. Plants in this genus are seldom or never targeted by deer.

Propagation

Plant seeds in a cold frame during spring for quick germination. Once the seedlings are big enough, transfer them to individual pots and then plant them outdoors in the summer. Due to the high likelihood of hybridization in Mentha species, seed breeding cannot be guaranteed. Even without hybridization, the seedlings will vary in qualities like medicinal oils. For plants with specific fragrances, it's recommended to propagate them through division. Division can be carried out at various times, with spring or autumn being optimal for quicker plant establishment. Any part of the root can grow into a new plant. Larger divisions can be directly planted, while smaller root sections should be potted in light shade in a cold frame for rapid growth before outdoor planting in summer.

Notable

Special features: Perennial plant that forms roots, either in the ground or in pots. Avoid mixing with different herbs or types of mint. Peppermint produces more essential oil when exposed to increased sunlight and dry conditions. The hybrid variety is sterile and can be propagated by dividing the rhizome at any time.

Origin & habitat

Great Britain.

In a very unpredictable scenario.

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