How to grow Mint?
- Latin Family: Lamiaceae
- Latin Genus: Mentha
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Perennial
There are any different types of mint including Peppermint, Spearmint and more. Mint has wide-spreading runners and square stems that will creep their way around the garden if left to their own devices. The leaves are furry and arranged in opposite pairs. Leaf colors range from dark green to gray-green. Mint flowers are white to purple and small. They are extremely easy to grow, and may even become invasive in the garden. This is the leaf in the famous mojito cocktail.
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Mint History
Mint has a long history as an herb of hospitality, medicinal teas and used to flavor a variety of perfumes, liqueurs, and culinary dishes.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.5 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Mint likes a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Flavor is usually inferior in dry soil.
How to care for Mint?
Mint is an invasive plant. So restrict growth by growing in pots or having a barrier at least a foot deep.
Water
Mint likes to be moist at all times.
Fertilizer
These plants grow best in rich soil, but almost any soil will do.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 2 - 4 years
After the blooms become dry and turn brown, cut them off. Crush the flower heads in a bag over a bowl, letting the seeds fall into the bowl. Spread seeds out to dry for a few days at room temperature before storing in a seed packet (or small envelope). If you're saving seed, it won't be the same as the parent (which is why it is commonly propagated vegetatively).
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Mint prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade as well.
Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Mint dries well and can be dried for tea. Store in an airtight container.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Put leaves in ice cube containers cover with water and freeze. Thaw as needed.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Invasive
If not kept in check, Mint will invade throughout the garden. Don't be shy to prune your mint back.
Mint Types
- Mint
The Mints are very reliable producers of tasty leaves, but can be used for a lot more than simply flavoring. Some types are extremely vigorous and if given suitable growing conditions they will put on an amazing amount of growth in a season.
Pests
- Spider Mites
- Strawberry Root Weevil
- Caterpillars
- Flea Beetle
- Mealybug
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Whiteflies
- Leafminers
- Nematodes
- Gophers
- Deer
Diseases
- Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)
- Leaf Blight
- Anthracnose
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Rust
- Verticillium Wilt
