Peppermint: A real classic

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

The refreshing aroma of peppermint has become an integral part of our everyday life - whether chewing gum, Hugo or peppermint tea, nothing works without mint! Peppermint is easy to grow in the garden itself, 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 Peppermint

Although evidence of the use of mint can be found as early as ancient Egypt, the now well-known peppermint (mentha x piperita) for the first time in the 17th century in England. Its origin and origin are disputed, but it is believed to be a natural hybrid of a cross between the brookmint (

Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) has arisen. 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 character to this day Popularity.
Synonyms: English mint, tea mint, peppermint, field mint, brown saint's herb, spearmint

Growing peppermint in the garden

Peppermint thrives in humus-rich, 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, to prevent the soil from drying out. A nutrient-rich, peat-free organic soil such as our Plantura is best for planting Organic universal soil used. This is also ideal for growing in pots. It is often read that the plants need a lot of sun and warmth to form the essential oil. This is partly true, but peppermint still prefers a semi-shady location with protection from the strong midday sun.

Its shallow-growing root system forms numerous runners, so that a root barrier should be used when planting in smaller gardens to keep uncontrolled growth in check. In larger gardens, however, the peppermint's urge to spread can be given the appropriate freedom. Another effective way to tame rank growth is pot culture. 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: What other 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 Cultivation of peppermint get here.

Peppermint Varieties

The different varieties of peppermint not only differ in 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. In Germany, more precisely east of Munich, peppermint was cultivated commercially for the production of tea and essential oil until the 1970s. The overpowering scent of the swaying peppermint fields has largely disappeared from the area today, but the area was so prized back then The variety has survived thanks to the preservation cultivation of the Eichenau Peppermint Museum and can today also be grown in the home hobby garden will.
More information and an overview of the best Peppermint Varieties see our article.

Grow peppermint

Since peppermint is a hybrid of brookmint and spearmint, the plants are largely sterile. Instead of seeds, it is propagated by division, root suckers and cuttings. The urge to spread that many varieties show ensures that there is always enough plant material available for propagation. To do this, simply rooted foothills are separated from the plant and planted separately, either directly outdoors or in a planter.

Fertilize and cut peppermint

Due to its origin, peppermint is adapted to the climatic conditions in Central Europe and is therefore particularly easy to care for here - making it a perfect plant for beginners! Peppermint feels most comfortable on humus-rich 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 withdraws into the ground every winter in order to sprout again in the spring, no time-consuming pruning measures are necessary. However, peppermint also forgives a radical cut, 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.

Harvesting and storage of peppermint

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

A good alternative to drying is to freeze peppermint leaves. The peppermint leaves are cut into small pieces and frozen with a little water in an ice cube mold. 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 in peppermint is the essential oil, but the medicinal herb also contains tannins, flavonoids and other secondary plant substances. Peppermint tea is the drink of choice, especially after a heavy holiday meal, as it stimulates fat digestion – certainly healthier than a schnapps! While peppermint, for example, is an integral part of English cuisine, even in savory dishes - just think of them famous peppermint sauce for lamb - in Germany, the herb is mainly found in drinks such as teas, cocktails, soft drinks and smoothies popular.

Well-known examples are the Hugo or the Mojito. But when it comes to savory dishes, we should be more adventurous, as there are all sorts of things Promising flavor combinations, 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 Harvesting and Using Peppermint, learn more about the topic.

Diseases and Pests of Peppermint

Peppermint plants can be attacked by both animal pests and fungal diseases. Although you can also use pesticides from specialist shops to combat pests, you should, however, In general, of course, only use non-toxic home remedies when using kitchen herbs to avoid pesticide residues on your own plate to avoid. Against animal pests, such as aphids and flea beetles, beneficial insects can be used in a targeted manner, which simply eat up the pests. Repeated spraying with soapy water also helps against aphids.

Peppermint plants can also from powdery mildew be infested, which is recognizable by a white, wipeable coating on the upper side of the leaf. Spraying with field horsetail extract, which can now be bought ready-made in specialist shops, is a good means of biological prevention and control. 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 conspicuous by its punctiform, rust-red spots on the underside of the leaf and yellowish spots on the upper side of the leaf. The affected plants are no longer suitable for harvesting, since the fungus slows down the formation of the essential oil, among other things. Affected plants should be cut back radically. They usually then sprout again free of infestation. Transplantation can help with particularly stubborn infestations or susceptible varieties. Too much shade and plants that are too close together can encourage a peppermint rust infestation.

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