Chocolate mint enriches the kitchen with its aromatic leaves. Mentha x piperita "Chocolate" combines a delicate chocolate aroma with a hint of mint. If the care is not right, the leaves taste bland. The intense aroma only develops under certain conditions.
Chocolate mint is a very thirsty herb
soil and location
Chocolate mint can be planted in full sun if the soil is sufficiently moist. Half-shady places are also suitable. The herb feels less comfortable in the shade. With a lack of light, the plants only develop a few essential oils, so that the leaves hardly taste like chocolate.
The perfect substrate:
- normal garden soil with humus shares
- Sand ensures good permeability
- nutritious
pour
In order for the herb to thrive optimally, an adequate water supply is important. Chocolate mint has a high water requirement and is sensitive to drought. Check the substrate regularly and make sure that the soil is always slightly moist. Waterlogging should be avoided. Dammed water is often a problem with potted plants.
Fertilize
If the soil offers humic properties, additional fertilization is not necessary. An excess of nutrients can affect the aroma. On sandy soil, the chocolate mint enjoys a regular supply of special herbal fertilizers, which you administer at intervals of four to six weeks. In the spring you can work some compost into the substrate. Alternatively, we recommend adding organic fertilizers such as horn shavings.(32.93€)
To cut
The chocolate mint is regularly pruned during the growth phase to allow it to develop new branches and fresh leaves. Pruning measures ensure that the leaves develop a fuller aroma. The plant tends to naturalize if not pruned regularly. A vigorous pruning is necessary in autumn or spring. The plant is rejuvenated and then drives out more vigorously.
hibernate
The chocolate mint only tolerates slightly minus temperatures down to -10 °C. Protect the plant with a thick layer of pine branches or straw. In the harsh winter months with double-digit minus temperatures, you should not leave the plant outdoors, but rather dig it up and place it in a pot. A warm hibernation on the windowsill is possible. During the winter months, the aroma of the leaves is significantly weaker.