Peppermint is one of the aromatic plants best known and used in gardens and homes around the world. The keys to its success are how easy it is to grow, its pleasant aroma and green color and, of course, its great use as a seasoning, both fresh and dried, in a large number of dishes and recipes: from the famous mojitos to all kinds of of stews.
The mint plant is one of the many different types of mints that exist, all with different aromas and flavors, which should be kept separate from each other. If you want to learn how and where to plant peppermint, as well as how to maintain the peppermint plant, join us in this EcologíaVerde article. In the following lines you will find a practical guide on how to care for mint easy way.
Characteristics of peppermint
It is commonly called peppermint, mint, sandalwood or mint, depending on the region in which we are, although its scientific name is mentha spicata. It is a herbaceous that has its origin in the southeastern part of Europe and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is a small plant, although it is highly adaptable and very invasive, so it is not difficult to make it prosper. In fact, the plant usually measures from 30 to 90 centimetersso it can also be grown in pots.
have traditionally existed peppermint uses as a medicinal plant for its numerous properties, as well as culinary and has even been planted in the margins of orchards and gardens to keep some pests away. If you want to grow aromatic herbs at home and you have noticed this one, let’s see below what are the main peppermint care.
Location
Both the peppermint planted in soil as the potted peppermint they tolerate a wide range of locations and sun exposure. It is a plant that can grow in the shade, although its ideal and most optimal location is in a semi-shade point, that is, in a widely lit environment but where the sun does not touch it directly. So if you’re wondering: Is peppermint sunny or shaded?the most exact answer is neither one nor the other, but rather it should be in semi-shade.
To protect the peppermint outsideTherefore, it should be kept out of the direct sun, especially in the hottest areas and at the worst incidence times, that is, at noon.
Substrate for the peppermint plant
The substrate for peppermint is not too demanding, although it is very important that it offers a sewer system as best as possible and keep it light.
The contribution of organic material It will depend on whether you grow your mint purely as an ornamental or if you intend to use it as a condiment. In the first case, the soil does not need to be very rich in organic matter, while in the second, it is advisable to use soil or substrate that is highly enriched with compost or earthworm humus.
peppermint watering
Irrigation is one of the most important peppermint care. This plant requires a substrate that always maintains a certain level of humidity if we want it to develop properly. However, taking this into account, it is difficult to establish in a general way how much to water peppermintsince it depends a lot on the soil or substrate itself and the local climate.
To be sure when to water it, stick a pencil or small stick into the ground next to the plant. If it comes out clean, with very little substrate or soil attached, it means that it is very dry and the plant needs to be watered again. Obviously, when it comes to caring for peppermint indoorsit is essential that the pot has drainage holes so that the water from frequent irrigations does not accumulate and rot the roots. Here we explain more about when to water the plants.
When can peppermint be cut?
For consume mint Young shoots are always used, since when the plant grows a lot its stems lignify, becoming more woody. Therefore, to keep the plant fit for consumption, it is necessary to cutting and transplanting peppermint in every season. can be cut their stems and shoots throughout the year as the plant grows and we need them, in addition to pruning whenever it requests it, either due to disease or growth.
In addition, reproducing it by cutting is very simple, it is necessary to simply cut a bud in good condition and put its lower part in water until it shows roots. At that time, we will be able to plant the peppermint cuttings on soil or substrate. The ideal is to carry out this operation in early summer.
What to do to revive a peppermint plant
If your peppermint plant has become excessively weak and appears dry, you can try to bring it back with a salvage pruning. Prune all visibly dry or damaged stems, leaving anywhere you see the plant putting out new shoots. Put it in an area protected from direct sun Y water it daily if it is winter or twice a day in summer, always without flooding.
By insisting on these mint care to recover it, its new shoots will grow and you will be able to recover it a little more every day from then on, until you once again have a plant in good condition and suitable for consumption.
How to use the peppermint you plant at home
If you want to create a crop of peppermint plants at home just for its leaves and its aroma is phenomenal, and its fragrance will make you not need another type of air freshener at home. However, you can also use this wonderful plant for other types of purposes, below we explain some tips for using peppermint:
- To improve digestion: Peppermint is great for indigestion and bloating. It has the ability to expel gases from the stomach by relaxing the muscles involved.
- Improves colds and flu: Peppermint is an excellent natural decongestant and expectorant. One of the active ingredients of the herb is menthol, which will make the mucus expel better and will also reduce coughing. As if that were not enough, it is also a natural soothing for sore throats.
Like everything else, this type of herb should be used in moderation, because although it is good for health, everything in excess is harmful, and so is peppermint. For example, use of this herb should be avoided in infants or very young children. In addition, it can have side effects and interactions with other medications or supplements, so if you have any questions, go to your doctor.
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