There are perhaps 25 species of mint (Mentha) in the world, all members of the mint family (Lamaceae).
Spearmint (Mentha spicata), perhaps the best known of the mints, is used in kitchens throughout the world as flavoring in juices and drinks, jelly, salads and even for cooking. The leaves are extremely fragrant when crushed.
Spearmint will grow up to three feet tall. The plant’s light violet flowers appear mid summer.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid variety and has a strong fragrance.
Planting Mint
Mint likes full sun and moist soil, although it is rather hardy and can grow in dry conditions. In dryer areas, mint may have a weaker fragrance.
Plant Seedlings, Not Seeds
Mint grown from seed does not hold true to its species, and will hybridize rapidly. The best way to grow mint is to purchase plants sold by reputable growers.
Mint Is Invasive
Mint is extraordinarily invasive, so plant it somewhere where it cannot escape. Most gardeners prefer to plant mint in containers, keeping it restrained and compact. Mint does well in pots when planted in good soil and given plenty of water.
Planting mint outside of containers and directly into beds is risky business. Many gardeners want the look of having the mint in the ground. They take containers at least 12 inches deep, remove the bottoms, sink the entire container into the soil, leaving a “lip” of several inches above the soil, and then plant the mint inside the container.
Mint roots will usually not travel over 10 inches to escape.
Some gardeners use plastic pipe, terra cotta chimney risers, or other types of open-ended containers to plant mint.
Mulching Mint
Good, light mulch will help keep moisture in the soil, keep the soil at a more even temperature, and prevent soil from splattering up on the leaves during watering or rain.
Picking Mint
Mint grows very fast, and picking leaves will not damage the plant. Some people prefer the delicate younger leaves, while others believe that the older leaves produce more flavor. Either is good, according to taste. Use fresh leaves in tea or other beverages and in salads. New potatoes cooked with a few mint leaves are delicious. Harvest as many leaves as needed, because the plant is a fast and aggressive grower. Even if you pick the plant entirely bare, it will probably have new shoots in a few days.
Maintaining Mint
Cut mint plants back on a regular basis. This encourages fresh growth. Reddish or yellowish spots on some of the leaves is more likely than not a fungal infection. Pick the damaged leaves and destroy them. Other than that, there is very little work in raising mint.
Using Mint Throughout the Year
Mint can be dried and used throughout the year. Dry the leaves by leaving them out on a tray. Or, hang the entire plant upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area. Once dried, crumble the leaves and place them in a container, using them as desired.
Other Mint Species
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a species of mint that is poisonous and should not be eaten. It has been used as a folk curative and in aromatherapy.
- Lemon Mint or Purple Horsemint (Monarda citriodora) is native to North America. In Central America it is known as yerba buena. Of all the mints, this plant is most drought tolerant. The fragrance of the crushed leaves is sweet and citrusy. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the plant.
- Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens), also called wooly mint, is a Mediterranean native. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant does not need a great deal of water.
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