Peppermint Peppermint Herb Seeds - West Coast Seeds - HR1090AF

PRODUCT DETAILS

Mentha x piperata. A hot, rich mint aroma emanates from the crushed or dried leaves of this spreading perennial plant. Consider growing Peppermint seeds in containers, as it will become hard to control over the years. Both the leaves and flowers can be dried for teas or used in stews and sauces. Peppermint grows well in moist soil in full sun to heavy shade. Mint flowers are edible and highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Mint plants spread by an ever-expanding rhizome that grows parallel with the soil. Along its length, new stems emerge with new leaves and flowers. This is why many gardeners prefer to grow mint in containers than in the open soil.

• Hot, rich mint aroma
• Leaves and flowers can be dried
• Spreading perennial plant
• Grow in containers
• Full sun to heavy shade

All About Peppermint

Latin

Mentha sp.

Family: Lamiaceae

Difficulty

Easy

Season & Zone

Season: Cool season

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Zone: Hardy to Zone 4

Timing

Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.

Starting

Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Growing

Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.

Harvest

Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.

Companion Planting

Mint attracts earthworms, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, and repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Mint can spread aggressively, so it may be better to use cut mint as a mulch around Brassicas, or to restrain it in containers around the vegetable garden. Avoid planting near parsley.