Peppermint [Mentha x piperita]

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 through a natural cross between water mint and spearmint and is native to parts of Asia. Peppermint is characterized by a high and pungent menthol content, which is released when the oval-green leaves are crushed. The plants are hardy and develop white-pink flowers. A well-loved and diverse 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 roots, forming runners
Nutrient requirements: Medium eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -23 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, ,moist, loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7

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

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

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from January to April or in autumn from October to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March.

General
A sunny location is possible, but the plants thrive best in partial shade. We recommend pre-culture. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible mint leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Peppermint prefers a warm, sunny to partially shaded location with permeable, moist, light, loamy and humus-rich soil.

Additional tips
It is possible to keep the plant in pots. Forms underground runners. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds and rhizomes.

Plant care
Just prune the plant back a little at the beginning of the year. If natural spread is undesirable, sever the underground emerging roots with a spade in spring. During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants additional water.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

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