Mentha

Mentha, more commonly known as mint plants, are aromatic perennial herbs native to North America, Africa, and Australia.  Mint plants are typically identified by their square, erect stems adorned with plush, wrinkled leaves that grow in opposite pairs.  When flowering, rings of puffy white to purple verticillasters can be seen sitting atop a towering stem.  The unique growth habit of mint plants makes them very aggressive spreaders. First, a stem will grow continuously upward until it reaches an unstable height and topples over, then it will establish new roots where it contacts the ground. It also spreads underground via its rhizome, which will further extend the reach of the stems when they fall. Different species of mint are cultivated throughout all regions of the world on account of their widespread commercial uses and for their applications in food and drink.  Menthol oil is used in a variety of products, such as cosmetics, perfumes, nontoxic pest repellents, and even as a nausea-reducer for post-surgery patients.  Early medicine used mint to treat stomachaches and chest pains, and modern-day researchers are exploring its potential to be used in treating irritable bowel syndrome.  

Partially shaded areas are ideal for growing mint plants, though they can be grown in locations with direct sunlight or substantial shade as well.  If mint is planted somewhere it receives direct midday sunshine, it will need to be watered more frequently to keep the soil moist.  Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil is optimal for growing mint, but it can adapt to many types of soil.  Watering mint plants in the morning will help prepare them for the higher temperatures of the day, and a good indicator that the plant needs water is when the first inch / 2.5 cm of soil has dried out.  Only fertilize mint plants if they are growing in nutrient-poor soil or in containers; otherwise, a rich garden soil should provide plenty of nutrients.  To propagate mint, cut 4-6 in / 10-15 cm off of a healthy stem, remove the lower half of the stem's leaves, then place it in a small container filled with water or moist soil.  After it has developed a few lengthy roots, it should be ready to plant.  Growing mint in a container will encourage bushier growth instead of the ground-cover growth pattern it naturally adopts, which helps prevent it from running rampant.  

Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Mentha

Mentha

Gallery

Share With Your Friends

How to Grow

Characteristics

Benefits

Ornamental

Attracts

Warning

More Info

Taxonomy