Peppermint is a well-known, low-maintenance herb plant.
In addition, it is often used as a garnish for iced beverages, melons, and ice cream. Peppermint can elevate the taste of vegetables, meats, sauces, and garnishes with its refreshing and cooling flavor. Its mildness also makes it a versatile ingredient that won't overpower other flavors, making it perfect for a variety of dishes.
Preparation Ideas: The addition of chopped mint leaves to creamy salad dressings or vinaigrettes adds robust flavor to salads.
Instructions
Growing Instructions:
Start Mint seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting into their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant spacing directions below. Pick a location sheltered from the wind and receives at least 6 hours of sun per day. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist, but not soggy while they establish themselves in their new environment.
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Planting Depth: 3 mm (1/8")
Seed Spacing: Sow peppermint seeds roughly 1.3 cm (1/2") apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 40 cm (16") apart.
Plant Spacing: 40 cm (16")
Instructions for Nutrient Care:
Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
Water your mint during long dry spells. It is also important to water it regularly in the early days after planting as the young plants are still quite sensitive.
Mint can be aggressive and choose with care where you plant it.
To control the spread of mint, the best way is first plant it in a pot and then place the pot in the ground or a larger container with soil. Rotate the pot by a quarter turn every few weeks to prevent the roots from escaping through the drainage holes. This will help to limit the growth and spread of the plant.
The best time to harvest mint leaves is right before the flowers appear, usually midway through the growing season. However, you can start collecting individual leaves as soon as the plants reach a height of at least 10 cm (4").