Season
March-September.
Where It Grows
Mint is native to the Mediterranean. All mints thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun.
How it Grows
According to eHow, there are over 40 different varieties of the mint plant, with spearmint, peppermint and pennyroyal being the most common. Spearmint grows as high as 2 to 3 feet tall with green, pointed leaves and clusters of small blue or purple flowers. Peppermint grows up to 3 feet tall with spikes of mauve flowers and crinkled, red leaves. Pennyroyal is a smaller plant with pink flowers and oval leaves. Both spearmint and peppermint emit a fresh, sweet aroma, while pennyroyal is very pungent and medicinal.
Did you know?
- In Central and South America, mint is known as hierbabuena. This means literally, good herb.
- Mint leaves are often used by campers to keep mosquitoes away.
- To reduce the effects of caffeine in your favorite tea use fresh mint, Spearmint, or Peppermint sprigs in your teapot with your favorite tea.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans would scent their baths with mint because of its fresh aroma.
- The colonists brought mint to the United States for its culinary uses.
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