Mint is a perennial, aromatic herb that belongs to the Mentha genus of Lamiaceae family. There are many varieties of mint, all of them are fragrant having slight differences in colour and texture. The leaves of the mint plant are loaded with essential oils and aromatic compounds. When rolled between the fingers, you’ll notice a fresh and strong pungent scent. You can also identify the plant family by its square stem. Blooms appear from mid to late summer, and are highly attracted to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Along with being a kitchen herb, mint is also used in herbal medicines, cosmetics, and as garden accents, ground covers, and air freshner.
Growing Mint
Mint can be grown with seeds and cuttings, though seeds are available in the market you don’t really need them as growing it with cuttings is very simple and easy.
For growing through cuttings, choose strong stems with fresh, healthy green leaves.
Cut off 4- to 6- inch pieces, removing the lower 3 or 4 sets of leaves.
Longer stems are preferred because roots sprout from the leaf nodes and more leaf nodes from the long stem means more roots and a strong plant.
Place the stems in a glass of water, and put it at a place where it gets light and air, until healthy roots have formed. Make sure to change the water once every 2-3 days.
The roots start to form in 10 to 14 days and can be planted out in 3 to 4 weeks.
Once a strong root system has formed, pot up the stems into containers with well-drained potting soil.
Keep the pots in a sheltered spot for 4 to 6 weeks, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Space the plants 18-20 inches apart in the soil.
Once plants are established, harvest mint leaves regularly by pinching off the stems.
Plant Care
Light
Mint plants prefer full to partial sun. But protect the plant from strong afternoon sun.
Soil
Mints can adapt to most soil types, but it prefers a rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Good soil drainage is also essential.
Water
Mint plants like water, but waterlogged soil can rot their roots. Maintain the moisture of the soil and water the plant when the top layer of the soil is dry. The best time to water mint plants is in the morning.
Temperature
Mint prefers temperatures between 55 and 70°F (13–21ºC). If you live in a cold-winter region, protect mint through the winter in a container placed under a covered patio, in the garage, or in the kitchen.
Fertilizer
Mint produces the best flavor with minimal fertilization. Mixing 1 teaspoon of slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil before you plant and then each subsequent spring provides sufficient nutrients to the young plant for a growing season.
Pests & Diseases
However mint plants are low maintenance and pest free, but there are a few problems you must watch for. Aphids, Spider mites, mint rust and anthracnose are some problems associated with this plant. You can spray pest repellent spray.
Harvesting and Preserving Mint
The more mint you pick, the better the plants will grow, and you can pick sprigs throughout the growing season. Mint can be harvested at any time, and it is recommended that you harvest it as needed to enjoy it at its peak freshness. For a large harvest, it is best to wait until the flavor is most intense. The flavor will peak just before it starts to flower.
To harvest the entire plant, cut it down to 1-2 inches above the soil. You’ll get a second smaller harvest the same season as the plant will regrow. Fresh mint can be kept for several days in the refrigerator. If they’re dirty or sandy, rinse them gently just before using them. Wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a plastic bag, herbs stay fresh for several days. You can also dehydrate the leaves for later use.
Uses of Mint
- Mint tea is a good source of vitamin A and anti-oxidants.
- Mint also soothes upset stomachs and improves digestive health.
- It boosts skin health.
- It balances the oral microbiome and removes bad breath.
- Relieve symptoms of IBS, indigestion, and heartburn.
- Mint leaves can be used fresh or dried in a spectrum of culinary dishes.
- Mint essential oil is used as a flavouring agent in mouth fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouthwashes, toothpaste, chewing gum etc.
