MINT
Mentha spp. (MEN-tha)
Perennial Full sun to part shade Height. 1-3’ Spread: Unlimited Spacing: 12-24”
HABIT: Aggressively spreading plant. Highly aromatic leaves on square stems are round, oval, or slightly pointed, smooth or wrinkly, and slightly serrated on their edges.
CULTURE: Very easy to grow. Like moist soils. Go easy on the fertilizer for best flavor.
USES: Used to flavor all kinds of foods, especially green peas, salads, desserts, and drinks. Mints are best taken in teas. Groundcover in areas of wet soil.
PROBLEMS: Some chewing insects but none serious. Whiteflies and aphids occasionally. Most mints are aggressive spreaders and hard to keep under control.
HARVEST: Cut and use fresh, dry and store in glass containers, or freeze and store in plastic. It’s always best to use mints fresh.
NOTES: Divided into two groups according to fragrance: the spearmints M. spicata and the peppermints M. pipervita.
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