MINT - EGYPTIAN

 Organic Mint - EGYPTIAN

        200 Seeds Pack   

Mint plant history is understandably steeped in legend, myth and folklore, native to the Mediterranean basin, though it is now widely distributed throughout the temperate areas of the world.  

Mint is an aromatic herb that can grow anywhere from 10 to 120 centimetres tall. It spreads readily via underground horizontal roots and is characterized by its unique stem structure, as the erect stems have a square shape instead of round. Mint will sprout tiny purple, pink, or white flowers if allowed to bloom; however, it will lose some of its essential oil, making the leaves less fragrant and flavourful. Hence, Mint is typically pruned to prevent flowering, and its leaves are harvested young when they have the best flavour and texture, as leaves allowed to mature on the plant for too long will become earthy and bitter. The oval, jagged-edged, blunt-tipped leaves grow opposite along the square stems and can vary slightly in both shape and colour, from dark to bright green, greyish-green to purple-blue, or even pale yellow. Some Mint leaves may be variegated, and some may have a fuzzy texture, but they all have the unmistakable minty scent when crushed. Mint offers a sweet, fresh, cooling flavour and aroma.

Egyptian Mint has less invasive growing habits than other varieties of mint and will not take over the garden. It has a pleasant, fruity taste and is sweeter than other mints.  

PLANTING & GROWING

The aromatic herb can grow in plant containers in your balcony garden or inside near a sunny window.

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them.  

Do not cover the seed as it needs light to germinate, simply press the seeds lightly into the compost and water from below. Keep moist and propagate at 18 to 20°C (65 to 68°F). Be patient, the seed can be rather slow to germinate and can be erratic, continuing over a number of weeks.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into single 15cm (6in) pots. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil. To create vigorous and bushy mint plant growth it is best to pinch back the tips of young plants. Mint plants should be spaced at least 60cm apart if you are planting several. Try to avoid growing different varieties next to one another as they can lose their unique scent and flavour. 

Mint requires large amounts of water compared with other crops. Keep the soil moist during summer and water the plants at least twice a week. If you're growing in pots remember you will need to water more often. 

Every three years mint plants should be divided and re-potted in fresh soil and compost to maintain healthy growth. The plants are hardy and will die back to ground in winter. Top dress with compost in autumn if the plants are not lifted annually. 

Mint is a great companion plant for brassica family members and of the nightshade family like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.

Among the plants that should never be grown together with mint are oregano, rosemary, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, chamomile, parsley, and strawberry.