Mentha spp. is the scientific name for mint, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. These are perennial herbs that are extremely popular across the world owing to their fragrant and cooling properties. The leaves may be used in a variety of ways, including tea, curries, salads, and more. It's not just in food; it's also in toothpaste, cosmetic treatments, chewing gums, and other stuff.
Growing, harvesting, and storing the leaves, on the other hand, all have a part in preserving the freshness of the leaves. Here's a step-by-step guide on growing and harvesting mint so you may enjoy its freshness right from your own yard.
Guide to Growing and Caring
Light
If watered frequently, these plants may thrive in partial shade and even full sun. These plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Soil
Mint plants do not require a specific soil type to thrive; they may thrive in any soil. However, mint thrives on loamy, well-drained soil with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral.
Water
A small amount of damp soil is preferred by these plants. If your mint plants are showing signs of withering, water them right away. The optimum time to water mint plants is in the morning, when the plant can retain the most moisture.
Humidity and Temperature
These plants can adapt to a broad range of temperatures. They do not, however, tolerate frost. Mint comes in two primary kinds, both of which are commonly farmed.
Mentha spicata is the scientific name for spearmint, which can withstand high temperatures. Peppermint, scientifically known as Mentha piperita, is a cold-tolerant plant.
Because leaves cannot develop efficiently in low humidity, spraying helps to keep the plants moist when there isn't enough humidity in the air, such as during the winter.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not a key problem for the growth of these plants. However, if your soil is weak in nutrients, you will need to fertilise them on a regular basis.
They thrive in nutrient-dense compost soil. However, for container plants, an all-purpose fertiliser is recommended. When applying the product, follow the directions on the package.
Varieties Grown
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Mentha piperita citrata
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Mentha suaveolens
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Mentha suaveolens variegata
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Mentha x. piperita
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Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’
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Mentha spicata
Harvesting
When should I start harvesting?
The leaves are often picked during their growth season, just prior to the development of flowers. You can select the leaves when the plants reach a height of 4 inches.
You may harvest the leaves directly from the plant to obtain fresh leaves. During their growth season, the leaves expand three to four times. During the growth season, the soil must be maintained wet.
It's best to collect it first thing in the morning, when the essential oils in the leaves have the most potential. Mint leaves come in a variety of tastes.
The greatest way to encourage plants to develop leaves is to pick them on a regular basis. As a result, gardeners like to collect them on a regular basis.
Harvested leaves will be slightly harsh in flavour if the flower has arrived, thus it is best to pick them before the blooms arrive.
What is the best way to harvest?
The amount of harvesting you do is determined by your needs. If you want to make mint tea, simply remove a few leaves off the plant and steep them in hot water.
If you want many leaves at once, you may need to use a scissor to cut the leaves and stem together. After that, remove the leaves of the stem and knot the ends together.
If you want the leaves to have a strong flavour, pluck the smaller ones since they have more flavour than the larger ones. This will also help the plant develop faster.
Mint plants benefit from regular trimming since it encourages them to produce more fresh, bushy green leaves. Take care not to over-harvest the leaves.
Always cut the stem with sharp scissors rather than breaking it with your hand, since this might cause infection.
Storing The Leaves Safe
Always keep the leaves in a cool place, such as the refrigerator. Wrap the leaves in moist paper and store them in a plastic bag. It may be preserved for up to 8 days this manner.
