Strawberry mint is one of the types of mint with a particularly low menthol content. In return, the plants develop a fruity aroma that gives many dishes new flavor nuances. If you want to overwinter the plant outdoors, you have to consider a few aspects.
The strawberry mint is very hardy
location
Strawberry mint is considered an uncomplicated culinary herb that can be cultivated both in pots and planted in the garden. The plant's willingness to spread makes a root barrier outdoors necessary, otherwise new shoots will grow in many corners of the garden within a short time. Strawberry mint develops its full aroma in sunny locations when the soil ensures moist conditions. If the soil tends to dry out, the kitchen herb is better off in a semi-shady location.
harvest
The aroma of the leaves is particularly intense if you process them immediately after harvesting. Cut off as many leaves as you can use. You can stock up during the summer months. At this time, the leaves contain large amounts of essential oils, which are largely retained when drying whole leaves. These must not be crushed, otherwise the essential oils will be lost.
Preparation for the winter
After flowering in August, the plant can be cut back to 15 centimeters. Fertilization stimulates the plant to sprout again, so that you can bring in a final harvest of fresh leaves in autumn.
When the leaves turn brown in autumn, the right time has come for a radical pruning. Wait until the plant is fully absorbed. Cut the shoots back to the ground and pluck the leaves from the branches. They can be dried and used as a spice.
winter protection
Strawberry mint is considered hardy and survives the cold season without any problems if the temperatures do not drop below -4 °C. Protection from the cold is recommended if the plant is exposed to lower temperatures for a longer period of time. After cutting off the dead shoots, you can lay out a layer of brushwood or pine branches on the bed. Under the airy insulation, the plants are protected from sub-zero temperatures. In April, the protection is removed so that the plant can sprout again.