MINT - PEPPERMINT

 Organic Mint Peppermint

        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.  

Peppermint is a natural hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica ) and spearmint (Mentha spicata ) and was first cultivated in England in the late seventeenth century. Peppermint is grown for its highly aromatic and flavourful leaves. Its oval leaves are veined and serrated. Their colouring is vivid to dark green and occasionally blushed with purple or bronze depending upon variety. If allowed to bloom it will produce petite purple flower spears. The flavour and aroma of peppermint is herbaceous and minty, and imparts a cooling sensation on the palate, a flavour and sensory experience that is due to its high content of menthol oils. 

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. Peppermint 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. 

Peppermint 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 Peppermint 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. 

Peppermint 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 peppermint are oregano, rosemary, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, chamomile, parsley, and strawberry.