Apple mint [Mentha rotundifolia]

The perennial apple mint is a hardy and versatile spice and medicinal plant that should not be missing from any medicine cabinet. The herb smells of apple in the summer months and has a mild, soft, very sweet and fruity aroma. A tea made from the leaves is very gentle on the stomach. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Apple mint is a perennial, hardy shrub, spice and medicinal plant that was widespread in farm gardens in Central Europe for a long time. This heat-loving species originally comes from parts of Western and Southern Europe, North Africa, Turkey and China. It grows wild mainly in wet and damp locations such as pastures, ditches and roadsides. The old and robust medicinal herb grows bushy, has strikingly round, soft, hairy leaves and forms numerous root runners. In the summer months, the herb smells of apple and has a mild, soft, very sweet and fruity aroma. The leaves are versatile and can be used in the kitchen or for a mild, stomach-friendly tea. Recommended for every medicine cabinet. Loves moisture and thrives even on wet and occasionally flooded pastures.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter, runner-forming
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x50 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 and sunny.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Apple mint grows more strongly in areas with more sunlight than in shadier locations. Pre-cultivation is also recommended. It prefers moderately nutrient-rich, permeable, moist, and humus-rich to sandy loam soils.
Apple mint does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Growing the plants in containers is possible and often recommended to prevent spread through underground root runners. This robust plant can tolerate heat well as long as it receives sufficient water. Regular watering is important, as the plant does not tolerate dry soil well. A location near streams and bodies of water is ideal. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

 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 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 rotundifolia
English names: Apple mint
German names: Apfelminze, Wohlriechende Minze, Rundblättrige Minze
Portuguese names: Hortelã maçã
Spanish names: Menta de manzana
French names: Menthe pomme

 Origin 
Country: Portugal