Mint (Latin name - Mentha piperita) - Perennial

Plant Height - 30cm/ 12″

Propagate mint by planting a root from another plant. Mint has creeping stems, which are vigorous growers. It is far easier to take a root from another plant, than to grow it from seed.

Where to Sow - Indoors in pots 7.5cm/3″ diameter. If sow outdoors, germination is very slow

Sowing time - February/June - temperature +16C/61F

How to Sow Mint

• very thinly
• in a soil-based compost, not peat
• cover lightly with compost
• water well
• place in sealed polythene bags or cover with glass
• water from beneath keeping compost moist but not too wet.

After Germination

• remove from bags or glass
• place in light position (out of direct sunlight)
• thin to 1 plant per 7.5cm/3″ pot when the plants are about 5cm/2″ tall

Growing on Mint

• harden off indoor raised plants
• move outside when no longer a danger of frost
• when plants are established with a good root system, divide into separate plants and either:

plant in pots - 7.5cm/3″ pots. Pinch out growing tips regularly to produce bushy plants.

or plant in ground - into well drained soil 30cm/12″ apart. Mint spreads vigorously, so plant it where it will not invade precious plants.

Harvesting Mint

• Pick leaves 6 weeks after planting.
• Mint keeps producing leaves until the frosts arrive.
• Keep it well trimmed, to encourage new shoots.

Uses of Mint

• flavouring new potatoes, peas etc
• salads
• mint sauce - chop the mint, just cover with boiling water, add Equal quantities of vinegar & a spoon of sugar
• mint jelly - add chopped mint to a lemon jelly, or apple jelly
• Please let us know how you use mint, in the comments below.

Storing Mint

Mint leaves can also be washed, packed into ice cube trays, filled with water and frozen for later use.

Click this link for a mint grow card.