Mint
Peppermint
Spearmint

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita), Spearmint (Mentha spicata).

Hardy perennial herbs of the Mint Family, grown for their leaves which are used to flavor vinegar and jelly (often served with roast lamb and other meats), and to enhance thirst-quenching cooling beverages.

Mints should be planted where they will not encroach on other plants, as they spread so readily that, unless curbed, they are likely to become a pestiferous weed. It is ideal for container and hydroponic culture.

It revels in deep, rich, moist ground and requires little care except manicuring or fertilizing in the spring. However, as the stems grow rapidly and the leaves become thin and small as the season advances, it is advisable to cut down from a third to a half of the patch when 6 or 8 inches high, drying the leaves and putting them in tight jars for winter use. Then soak the cut over area with liquid manure to stimulate a second crop of foliage. A month later, treat another area similarly. Thus a succession of succulent foliage may be had all season.

Orange spots on the backs of mint leaves are caused by a rust which can be controlled by using an organic garden dust. Pests can be controlled with rotenone.

Growing Mint

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.

Plant Height
Peppermint and spearmint grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Plant Spacing
Peppermint plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart. Spearmint plants should be placed 36 and 48 inches (90 - 120cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range
Mints will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (mildly acidic) and 7.5 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.0.

Propagation
Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks prior to last spring frost. Or, sow directly outdoors in partially shaded, moist soil. Propagates best through softwood cuttings. Propagates well through rootball division.

Seed Germination Period
12 to 16 days.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
17,000 to 20,000.

Soil Requirements
Rich, moist, and well-drained, pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Most cultivars grown from cuttings. Seed material not recommended for pot sales. Plugs to saleable plant, 4 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Mints grown outdoors prefers full sun.

Both peppermint and spearmint will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness
Peppermint 3a to 7b; spearmint 4a to 11.

Water Requirements
Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Whitefly, spider mites, aphids, mealybug. Rust.

Special Notes
Seeds are poisonous if ingested. Mint may become a noxious weed and invasive. Mints are known to attract bees, butterflies or birds. Aromatic foliage. Suitable for containers.