60-90days to harvest
10-21days to germinate
Z3–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start from divisions or cuttings in spring. Seeds are sterile. Plant after last frost when soil warms to 55°F.

Cultivation

Sun
Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistently moist soil
Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
12-24 inches
Season
Cool/warm season perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green leaves with purple-tinged stems
Size
2-4 inch serrated leaves
Shape
Oval, pointed leaves with serrated edges
Flavour
Intense, cooling mint with strong menthol and sweet undertones

In the kitchen

Herbal teas, cocktails, desserts, Middle Eastern cuisine, natural breath freshener, aromatherapy

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, mint root borer
Diseases
Rust, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, mint anthracnose
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, occasional rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1April – MayJune – JulyJune – JulyAugust – September
2April – MayJune – JulyMay – JulyJuly – September
3March – AprilMay – JuneMay – JuneJuly – October
4March – AprilMay – JuneApril – JuneJune – October
5February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayJune – November
6February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayJune – November
7February – MarchApril – MayMarch – MayMay – November
8January – FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – AprilMay – December
9JanuaryFebruary – MarchFebruary – MarchApril – December
10JanuaryFebruary – MarchJanuary – MarchMarch – December
11JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryFebruary – December
12JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryFebruary – December
13JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

16 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 6 to avoid.

TomatoesPeppermint repels ants, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly attack tomato plants
CabbageDeters cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles while improving cabbage flavor
BroccoliRepels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests
RadishesMint helps deter flea beetles and root maggots that damage radish crops
CarrotsRepels carrot flies and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
LettuceDeters slugs, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly damage lettuce leaves
RosesRepels aphids, ants, and rodents while attracting beneficial pollinators
MarigoldsBoth plants repel similar pests and create a strong aromatic barrier against insects
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids, protecting turnip leaves
OnionsRepels root maggots and cabbage worms that commonly attack brassicas
GarlicDeters aphids, cabbage loopers, and other brassica pests with strong scent
MarigoldsRepels flea beetles and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
RadishesQuick-growing companion that loosens soil and may deter root flies
LettuceProvides ground cover, conserves moisture, and has similar growing requirements
DillAttracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage worms and aphids
CarrotsDifferent root depths prevent competition and carrots may improve soil structure

Avoid

ParsleyPeppermint's aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm and outcompete parsley plants
ChamomileMint's vigorous root system and allelopathic compounds can inhibit chamomile growth
CilantroPeppermint's rapid spreading can crowd out cilantro and reduce its seed production
TomatoesMay stunt turnip growth and compete for nutrients, different pH preferences
StrawberriesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, may inhibit turnip root development
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds can inhibit brassica growth and development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
70
Protein (g)
3.75
Fat (g)
0.94
Carbohydrate (g)
14.9
Fibre (g)
8
Vitamin A (µg)
212
Vitamin C (mg)
31.8
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.129
Folate (µg)
114
Calcium (mg)
243
Iron (mg)
5.08
Magnesium (mg)
80
Phosphorus (mg)
73
Potassium (mg)
569
Zinc (mg)
1.11

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Peppermint?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Peppermint suits these too.

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