- Peppermint flower
- Peppermint does not become poisonous after flowering
- Do not harvest directly during flowering
- Collect seeds from the flowers
- tips and tricks
In June, peppermint in the garden forms spike-like panicles that produce small, white-pink flowers. A lot of essential oil accumulates in the leaves until the flowers open. If you want to dry or freeze peppermint, be sure to harvest beforehand.
Peppermint flower
- Flowering begins in June
- Flowering can last until August
- Small white-pink flowers
- Most aromatic before flowering
Peppermint does not become poisonous after flowering
There is a persistent rumor that peppermint leaves can no longer be harvested once the plant has flowered.
That is not right. You can also cut the leaves after the flowering period, which begins in June and can last until August.
However, they are no longer as aromatic as they were right before flowering and taste a bit tart.
Do not harvest directly during flowering
As long as the peppermint in the garden is in full bloom, you should not harvest the plant. The flowers contain hardly any aromatic substances and should therefore not be boiled in tea or preserved.
If you would like to harvest very aromatic mint, only prune until the beginning of the flowering period, i.e. just before the flowers open. When the plant has finished flowering, the leaves are still suitable for tea or as a spice in salads.
Collect seeds from the flowers
Peppermint is usually propagated via offshoots or cuttings. But you can also collect seeds from the flowers.
To do this, wait until the flowers have finished flowering and are drying off. If fertilization has taken place, you can carefully pluck the dried flowers from the plant and shake them out lightly. The seed will fall out on its own.
It is best to keep it dry in a paper bag until you want to sow new peppermint.
tips and tricks
Not only the well-known tea can be made from fresh peppermint. The plant is also popular in cocktails such as mojitos or as a refreshing addition to desserts. In order for the aroma to come into its own, you should use peppermint, if possible, which was harvested shortly before flowering.
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