Ever since it was discovered in England in the 17th century, peppermint has played an important role as a herb, tea and medicinal plant. The herb is easy to grow in the garden and on the balcony and is therefore cultivated worldwide.

Botanical Data

  • Latin name: Mentha x piperita
  • Varieties: up to 14 varieties and numerous sub-varieties
  • Plant Family: Lamiaceae
  • Genus: Mint (Mentha)
  • Origin: England as a random cross
  • Height: up to 90 centimeters high outdoors
  • Leaves: oblong, slightly jagged edge
  • Leaf color: mostly green, but also almost white or very dark
  • stalks: smooth, little hairy
  • Flowers: small spike-shaped white-red flowers
  • Aroma: very aromatic, fresh fragrance
  • Flowering period: June to August
  • Plant parts used: leaves
  • Age: perennial up to five years and longer
  • Hardy: tolerates temperatures down to minus 20 degrees
  • Distribution: almost worldwide

Things to know about growing in the garden and pot

Peppermint is quite robust and can be grown both outdoors and in pots on the balcony or patio.

The plant requires a nutritious, well-drained soil. It prefers a partially shaded location. Direct sunlight affects the aroma.

When choosing a location, it is important to note that peppermint does not get along with itself or chamomile. You should also keep your distance from other labiates. A change of location after three years at the latest makes sense in order to curb the spread of diseases.

Harvest peppermint

Peppermint can be harvested at any time. The best time to harvest is right before flowering, as the proportion of essential oils is particularly high then. If peppermint is to be preserved, this harvest time is to be preferred.

Even after flowering, the leaves can be safely consumed or made into tea. They do not contain any toxins, but taste a little bitterer than before flowering.

Grow peppermint

Peppermint is usually propagated via offshoots and cuttings. Root division is also possible. It is quite difficult to propagate by sowing, since the germination capacity of the seeds is not very high.

tips and tricks

The healing properties of peppermint still play a major role today. In 2004, for example, the plant was named “medicinal plant of the year”.

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Category:

Vegetable garden