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Mint

Mentha · Lamiaceae

Bloomingfrom July to September
🐝 Bee-friendly

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Mint is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on varieties
Flowering
July to September, small lavender or pink flowers
Adult size
30 to 90 cm tall depending on species
Growth
Very fast and invasive
Hardiness
Very hardy, tolerates down to -15°C
Origin
Temperate zones of Asia, Europe and North Africa
Soil type
Fertile, well-drained, preferably moist

Care

Regular watering

Water regularly to keep the soil moist without waterlogging it. Mint appreciates humidity but dreads waterlogging which promotes root rot. During summer, two waterings per week are generally sufficient. Gradually reduce in autumn and stop in winter.

Ideal exposure

Place your mint in full sun (minimum 6 hours per day) for better concentration of essential oils. It also tolerates partial shade and grows well in these conditions, although aromatic production is slightly reduced. Avoid dense shade exposures.

Pruning and harvesting

Regularly pinch young shoots to encourage a bushy, branched habit. Harvest leaves as soon as possible, especially before flowering for more aroma. A drastic pruning in spring (to 10 cm from the ground) revitalizes the clump and limits weeds.

Soil preparation

Mint adapts to most soils but prefers rich, well-drained and slightly moist soil. Amend with compost or potting soil before planting. Plant it in a pot or delimit the growing area as it spreads quickly via underground rhizomes.

Fertilization

Apply well-decomposed compost in spring to enrich the soil. Mint does not require regular mineral fertilizer if the soil is fertile. If you grow in a pot or in depleted soil, a balanced application at the beginning of spring will suffice.

Prevention and treatment

Mint is not very susceptible to disease under good conditions. Powdery mildew can appear in humid and warm environments: ensure good air circulation. Spider mites favor dry plants: maintain soil and foliage moisture. Remove diseased leaves as soon as they appear.

Did you know?

Mint is one of the oldest documented aromatic herbs: it already appeared in ancient Egyptian gardens and Romans appreciated it for its digestive properties. Its Latin name "Mentha" may derive from Greek mythology, of a naiad transformed into a herb by Hades. Today, it remains one of the most popular herbs in the world, prized in cooking, infusions and cosmetics.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.