Apple mint [Mentha rotundifolia]

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

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root Type: Shallow Root, Foothills
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Means
Winter hardiness: Up to-20 °C
Location: Sunny to partially shaded
Floor: Pervious, moist, sandy, loamy, Humos

PH: 7 to 8

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Planting, row spacing: 40x50 cm

Optimal mixed culture:
Unfavorable mixed culture:

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from November to March. 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)
Sow directly into the frost-free outdoor area from May. We recommend pre-cultivation from March in small pots. The pots are planted in the bed from a height of approx. 15cm.

General
No-till sown is unfavorable due to the possible drying out or carrying away of small animals such as ants. Therefore, pre-cultivation often makes more sense. Plant Pre-cultivated plants in pots simply directly into the open air from mid-May.
Apple mint prefers a warm, fully sunny to partially shaded location with permeable, moist, slightly sandy, loamy and humus-rich soil.

Additional tips
Keeping the plant in pots is also possible. Forms underground foothills. The growth of apple mint is stronger in areas with more sunlight than in more shady locations. Ideal is a location near streams and bodies of water. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds and rhizomes.

Care Plants
Just cut back the plant a little at the beginning of the year. If natural spread is undesirable, separate the underground expiring roots in spring with a spade. 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 rotundifolia
English Names: Apple mint
German names: Apple mint, Smelling mint, Round-leaved mint
Portuguese names: Hortelã maçã
Spanish Names: Menta de manzana
French names: Menthe pomme