Peppermint: a real classic

In Germany, peppermint is one of the most popular herbs. Here you can find out everything about growing, caring for and harvesting mint from the kitchen garden.

The refreshing aroma of peppermint has become an integral part of our everyday life - whether chewing gum, Hugo or mint tea, nothing works without mint! Peppermint is very easy to grow in the garden yourself, it even multiplies by itself in the ideal location. With our tips, nothing stands in the way of the first harvest of your own peppermint!

Origin of the peppermint

Although evidence of the use of mint can already be found in ancient Egypt, the now well-known peppermint (Mentha x piperita) for the first time in 17th Century in England. Its origin and formation are controversial, but it is considered certain that it is a natural hybrid from a cross of the brook mint (

Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) was created. Compared to the mint species native to Europe, peppermint is characterized by its high Menthol content and its refreshing, peppery aroma - a reason for its name and its unbroken to this day Popularity.
Synonyms: English mint, tea mint, peperminte, field mint, holy saint's herb, precious mint

Growing peppermint in the garden

Peppermint thrives in humus, nutrient-rich and moist soil. In order to meet these conditions in the home garden, it is advisable to mulch around the plants with leaves or lawn clippings, for example, in order to prevent the soil from drying out. A nutrient-rich, peat-free organic soil like our Plantura is best used for planting Organic universal soil used. This is also ideal for growing in pots. One often reads that the plants need a lot of sun and warmth to produce the essential oil. This is partly true, but the peppermint prefers a partially shaded location with protection from the strong midday sun.

Their shallow root system forms numerous runners, so that a root barrier should be used when planting in smaller gardens in order to keep the wild growth in check. In larger gardens, on the other hand, the urge to spread peppermint can be given the appropriate space. Pot culture is another effective method of taming wild growth. This is also particularly suitable for partially shaded balconies and terraces. During the flowering period between June and September you can see and smell the filigree flowers on the one hand enjoy and on the other hand is with fresh mint leaves for teas, cocktails and salads all summer long provided.

tip: Which others Herbs for cocktails are ideally suited, you can find out in our special article.

In the cold season, a light winter protection made of brushwood is recommended. A detailed step-by-step guide to the Cultivation of peppermint get here.

Peppermint varieties

The different varieties of peppermint not only differ in their growth and appearance, but also bring a variety of scents and aromas to the bed. These include numerous traditional varieties that have been used in professional cultivation for over 100 years. Also in Germany, to the east of Munich to be precise, the cultivation of peppermint was still practiced commercially for the production of tea and essential oil until the 1970s. The overwhelming scent of the billowing peppermint fields has largely disappeared from the area today, but the one that was so valued at the time The variety has survived thanks to the conservation cultivation of the Eichenau peppermint museum and can now also be grown in the local hobby garden will.
More information and an overview of the best Peppermint varieties can be found in our article.

Propagate peppermint

Since peppermint is a cross between brook mint and spearmint, the plants are largely sterile. Instead of seeds, it is propagated by division, root runners and cuttings. The urge to spread that many varieties display ensures that there is always enough plant material available for reproduction. For this purpose, rooted runners are simply separated from the plant and planted separately, either directly in the field or in a planter.

Fertilize and cut peppermint

Due to its origin, peppermint has been adapted to the climatic conditions in Central Europe and is therefore particularly easy to care for - a perfect plant for beginners! Peppermint feels most comfortable on humus soil - light fertilization in spring, for example with compost or a primarily organic long-term fertilizer such as Plantura Organic universal fertilizer, is therefore exactly the right thing. Since the peppermint retreats into the ground every winter to drift through again in spring, no time-consuming pruning measures are necessary. However, the peppermint is also forgiving of radical pruning, for example for harvesting or in the event of pest infestation. A pruning close to the ground is only recommended in autumn so that the plant can start fresh again next year.

Peppermint harvest and storage

Individual leaves and shoot tips can be picked all year round as required. However, the main harvest time is just before flowering in July. So you can fall back on peppermint tea from your own cultivation even in winter. Usually only the upper parts of the shoots of the plants are used. But it is also possible to cut off the shoots close to the ground. The plant will sprout again shortly afterwards. The shoots can then be dried. More information and tips on the Drying mint can be found in our special article.

A good alternative to drying is freezing peppermint leaves. To do this, the peppermint leaves are cut into small pieces and frozen in an ice cube mold with a little water. The perfectly portioned “peppermint cubes” can then be used individually for a wide variety of dishes.

Ingredients and uses of peppermint

The main active ingredient of peppermint is essential oil, but the medicinal herb also contains tannins, flavonoids and other secondary plant substances. Mint tea is the drink of choice, especially after a heavy holiday meal, as it stimulates fat digestion - certainly healthier than a schnapps! While peppermint is an integral part of English cuisine, even in hearty dishes - just think of it famous peppermint sauce for lamb - is the herb in Germany especially in beverages such as teas, cocktails, soft drinks and smoothies popular.

Well-known examples are the Hugo or the Mojito. But when it comes to hearty dishes, we should be more willing to experiment, as there are all kinds of things Promising flavor combinations, which are given the final kick by the refreshing mint aroma can be. Mediterranean dishes in particular often benefit from a little peppermint.

In our special article on the Harvesting and Using Peppermint, learn even more interesting facts about the topic.

Peppermint diseases and pests

Peppermint plants can be attacked by both animal pests and fungal diseases. You can also use pesticides from specialist retailers against pests, but you should Of course, kitchen herbs generally only use non-toxic home remedies to remove pesticide residues on your own plate to avoid. Against animal pests, such as Aphids and Earth fleas, beneficial insects can be used in a targeted manner, which the pests simply eat up. Repeated spraying with soapy water also helps against aphids.

Peppermint plants can also be from Powdery mildew which can be recognized by a white, wipeable coating on the upper side of the leaf. As a means of biological prevention and control, spraying with field horsetail extract, which is now available ready-made in specialist shops, is ideal. Affected parts of the plant should be removed immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading. A radical cut close to the ground can usually be used without hesitation, as the peppermint will then sprout again.

However, the peppermint rust is particularly feared. This fungus is noticeable through punctiform, rust-red spots on the underside of the leaf and yellowish spots on the upper side. The infected plants are no longer suitable for harvesting, as the fungus slows down the formation of the essential oil, among other things. The affected plants should be pruned back radically. Most of the time they drive out again afterwards. In the case of particularly stubborn infestation or susceptible varieties, transplanting can help. Too much shade and plants that are too close together can encourage an infestation with peppermint rust.

Would you like to try growing herbs in the garden or on the balcony yourself? In our Plantura herb growing kit contains everything that is needed for planting herbs: growing pots, substrate, seeds, plant labels and a mini greenhouse.