Mint

Peppermint: Mentha piperita
Spearmint: Mentha apicata
Apple Mint: Mentha suaveolens
Pineapple Mint: Mentha suaveolens ‘variegata’

Description

Mint is an easy to grow perennial plant. There are many kinds of mint. Peppermint has dark green leaves with a reddish stem and lavender flowers. Spearmint has lighter green, pointy leaves and pink flowers. Apple mint has light green foliage and pineapple mint has green leaves that are banded with white. All can grow up to two feet tall and become quite invasive. Their scent is released when brushed against or bruised. Mints are used primarily for flavorings and garnishes.

How to Grow

Mint will grow well in full sun to partial shade and can easily take over a garden, crowding out other plants. For this reason, it is better to plant mint in a separate garden bed or plant it in containers above ground. Space plants two feet apart. Frequent cutting will promote branching. Propagate by dividing clumps.

Harvesting

Just prior to flowering, cut stems one inch above the soil. You may harvest mint two or three times in one growing season.