Peppermint [Mentha x piperita]

The perennial peppermint is the medicinal plant and the old favorite mint that is characterized by a high and sharp menthol content. A versatile medicinal plant with many valuable ingredients. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Peppermint is an ancient perennial aromatic, tea, spice and medicinal plant that has been known since ancient times and in Europe since the 17th century. This species was created by a natural cross between water mint and spearmint and is native to parts of Asia. Peppermint is characterized by a high and sharp menthol content that is released when the oval green leaves are crushed. The plants are hardy and develop white-pink flowers. A popular and versatile medicinal plant with many valuable ingredients.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 90 cm
Root type: Shallow rooting, runner-forming
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -23°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cabbage, Wine, Apple, Pear, Tomato, Walnut, Potato
Unfavorable mixed culture: Mint

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from January to April or in autumn from October to December. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm, sunny to partially shaded.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. A sunny location is possible, but the plants thrive best in partial shade in subtropical conditions.
Peppermint prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Keeping the plants in pots is possible and often recommended to prevent them from spreading through root runners. Forms underground runners. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root runners.

 Plant care 
It is advisable to cut the plants back at the beginning of the year. If natural spreading is not desired, the underground roots can be cut with a spade in the spring. During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants extra water. Fertilizer is only necessary for potted plants.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Mentha x piperita
English names: Peppermint
German names: Pfefferminze
Portuguese names: Hortelã-pimenta
Spanish names: Hierbabuena, Pastilla de menta
French names: Menthe poivrée

 Origin 
Country: Portugal