Peppermint - Mentha spicata var. crispa. 'Moroccan Mint' - €6 per plant 

A refreshing mint great in teas and very useful in cuisine. These plants are a favourite in Bulgaria,  locally termed 'Georgian' . We have these mints dispersed around the garden to make the most of  their potential as companion plants, attracting butterflies and bees when in flower and repeling pests with thier strong aroma. They grow well in the shade and on sunny borders. We offer divisons from established plants. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].

Context

  • native region: europe
  • native habitat: A natural hybrid, M. aquatica x M. spicata found in moist soils
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • Green mint beetle
  • Whiteflies
  • spider mites,
  • aphids and thrips
N.B we have had  no experience with any of the above pests  

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a - 11
  • Prefers moist soil 
  • Drought tolerant 
  • Cutting back in summer ensure fresh growth 
  • Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil.
  • Produces a better quality essential oil if the plant is grown in dry ground
  • Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[

Known hazards 

  •  In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so should not be used by pregnant women.

Overview

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). ​
  • It is in flower from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: spreading via rhiizomes  . 
  • height x width (m): 0.5 x 1
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: indefinite 

Products 

  • Leaf:Leaves - raw or cooked. A mild peppermint flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods
  • An essential oil is obtained from the plant
  • The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested.
  • A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves 
  • Medicinal: is a very important and commonly used remedy, being employed by allopathic doctors as well as herbalists

Functions, behaviours

  • animal dispersed seeds
  • easy to propagate from soft wood cuttings and division.
  • Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
  • The flowers are very attractive to bees
  • The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants.
  •  Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. 
  •  A good companion for growing near cabbages and tomatoes, helping to keep them free of insect pests
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project