Mint
Menthus
Mentha is a genus of about 25 species and hundreds of varieties of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceas. There are also several mint hybrids.
Mints are aromatic perennial (rarely annual) herbs. They spread by underground thizomes. The fruit is a small dry capsule containg one to four seeds. Mint species are widely distributed throughout the planet and can be found in many environments. Many species grow best in wet envionments and moist soils. Due to their tendency to spread, mints are considered invasive.
All mints prefer, and thrive, in cool, moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun.
They are fast growing, extending their reach along surfaces through a network of runners. Due to their speedy growth, one plant of each desired mint, along with a little care, will provide more than enough mint for home use. Some mint species are more invasive than others. Even with the less invasive mints, care should be taken when mixing any mint with any other plants, lest the mint take over. To control mints in an open environment, mints should be planted in deep, bottomless containers sunk in the ground, or planted above ground in tubs and barrels.
Some mints can be propagated by seed. Growth from seed can be an unreliable method for raising mint for two reasons: mint seeds are highly variable, one might not end up with what one presupposed was planted; some mint varieties are sterile. It is more effective to take and plant cuttings from the runners of healthy mints.
The most common and popular mints for cultivation arepeppermint (Mentha × piperita),spearmint (Mentha spicata), and (more recently )apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).
Mints are supposed to make goodcompanian plants, repelling pest insects and attracting beneficial ones.
Harvesting of mint leaves can be done at anytime. Fresh mint leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a couple of days in plastic bags within a refrigerator. Optionally, mint can be frozen in ice cube trays. Dried mint leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.
