Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3 - 10
- Height: 24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall
- Bloom Color: Pink
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 72F
- Average Germ Time: 10 - 15 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep
- Sowing Rate: 3 - 5 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 inches
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) - There are several different types of mint: spearmint, bergamot, applemint, and Bowles mint; but Peppermint is generally the most wide spread in terms of usage. Peppermint is pretty easy to identify by its dark green to purplish leaves. This herb typically grows around 24 inches tall or more, and consists of purplish, square stems and oblong purplish leaves with pointed tips, distinct veins, and toothed edges. Peppermint produces small pink, white, or purple flowers at the end of each stem from July to September. It is wonderfully fragrant and provides a cool, fresh scent that is so familiar in the summertime.
Peppermint can be so easy to grow from herb seeds, and it just keeps on growing - possibly where you do not want it. This makes it an ideal candidate for container herb gardening. Peppermint spreads by sending out runners, and it can quickly take over wherever you place it and begin pushing into neighboring areas. So, either place it in an area where it can spread, or use a container where it will not be able to spread too aggressively.
Peppermint is a wonderful herb that will be the perfect addition to any herb garden you are growing. Peppermint's pleasant smell stirs thoughts of Christmas and candy canes. Peppermint is useful in cooking, making tea, a variety of candies, and also has many medicinal purposes. Sowing Peppermint herb seeds is simple and a great way to bring this summertime favorite to the herb garden. Peppermint seeds can either be started indoors in starter trays 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or wait until frost danger has passed, and directly sow Peppermint seeds outside in prepared beds. Peppermint is the perfect complement to any herb garden!
