Mentha x piperita is a hybrid species of mint that is native to Europe and the Middle East. A cross between Spearmint and Watermint, the Peppermint is now one of the world’s most cultivated herb plants. It is easy to grow, repels rodents and mosquitos, is cold hardy, low-maintenance and has a wide range of medicinal benefits. Peppermint can also be added as a flavouring for many dishes.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Peppermint is a naturally formed hybrid plant that is a cross between Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Watermint (Mentha aquatica). As much as it is useful, it is also widely regarded as a formidable weed. If left unchecked, Peppermint will quickly take over and dominate most plants.
As a medicinal herb, their is very few that match the scope of the Peppermint, in particular, its essential oil which has become a key ingredient in most herbal apothecary cabinets.
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Growth
Mentha x piperita is a perennial herb that grows to a maximum height of around 90cm (3 feet) and a width of up to 50cm (20 inches). Peppermint generally grows well in moist, sunny or part-shade locations and can quickly take over by expanding with a network of underground rhizomes. Plants grow quickly with a reliable water source and with soil that drains quickly.
The rhizomes are fleshy and bear fibrous roots, while the leaves can be as large as 9cm (31⁄2 inches) long and have coarsely toothed margins. The leaves as well as the stems are slightly fuzzy and the summer flowers are purple with a four-lobed corolla.
Due to their invasive nature, it is advised to grow Peppermint in containers or well-bordered garden beds.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Peppermint can grow in a wide range of soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Shade in sub-tropical and tropical climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90cm (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm (20 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees and insects.
MATURITY:
90-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
80-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-21 days at temperatures between 13-18°C / 55-65°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 12000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT MENTHA X PIPERITA (Common Peppermint)
In 2020, the world production of Peppermint was a staggering 48,437 tonnes of which the northern African nation of Morocco produced 83%.
The benefits of Peppermint medicinally are too many to mention here, but the most widely applied include herbal teas, poultices and essential oil to help with headaches, stress, muscle and joint inflammation, pain relief, fevers and skincare. For more information on the medicinal benefits of Peppermint click here.
Peppermint oil also has a high concentration of natural pesticides and is known to repel some pest insects, including mosquitos, rodents, spiders, snakes, cats and ants. Here is more on how to use Peppermint to repel a wide range of pests.
Mentha x piperita is one of the main sources of menthol and menthone and is one of the oldest medicinal and culinary herbs used in history.
