Mint (Mentha) belongs to the genus of the lip flower family and is one of the most famous medicinal plants. Essential oils provide the fresh aroma typical of all types of mint. The medicinal herb is used as a tea for colds and sore throats. It is added to medicinal baths and relieves headaches. Mint is used in refreshing drinks, desserts and goodies. We present 12 varieties for you to grow yourself.
Cultivation
Most varieties of mint are perfect for growing in the garden. If you don't have a garden, you can also achieve good results on the balcony or on the windowsill. The plant needs loose, nutrient-rich soil and sufficient moisture. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location. Note that mint forms extensive roots and grows heavily both above and below ground. Root barriers and continuous pruning are recommended.
Mints are considered to be very robust plants. They are often attacked by aphids, earth fleas, mint bears and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and mint rust. Mints are hardy and covered with brushwood can easily overwinter outdoors. Mints in the bucket need a protected location on the house wall or in the basement. We recommend a cover made of jute or bubble wrap for protection.
Popular varieties from A to E
Pineapple mint(Mentha suaveolens variegata)
The pineapple mint with its white-edged, slightly hairy leaves is a very beautiful variety. Pineapple mint convinces with a fruity pineapple aroma and the milder menthol taste. It is often used for children's teas.
- Height: up to 70 centimeters
- Harvest: May until October
- Blossoms: light pink
- Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, cooling and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, salads, desserts, scented bouquets
Tip: If you rub the white-rimmed leaves of the pineapple mint between your fingers, you will be pampered with a wonderful scent of pineapple. Arranged in the vase, just a few stems of pineapple mint spread a wonderful scent in the apartment.
Apple mint(Mentha rotundifolia)
Apple mint is one of the most popular fruit mints. It exudes a wonderful aroma. The variety has a low menthol content
and is suitable for children's teas.- Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: White
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves inflammation of the oral mucosa, soothing, relaxing
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, soft drinks, desserts, syrup, liqueur, vinegar, bouquets
Basil mint(Mentha piperita x citrata Basil)
The basil mint combines the spice of basil and a slightly peppery taste with a fresh mint aroma. This mixture is perfect for the preparation of pesto and dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine.
- Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: anti-inflammatory, calming, refreshing, cooling
- Use as a seasoning herb: Pesto, soups, salads, vegetable dishes
Strawberry mint(Mentha Species)
Strawberry mint is one of the smallest varieties of mint. But the delicate plant impresses with its wonderful strawberry aroma. It makes little demands on its location and grows outdoors as well as on the balcony or on the windowsill.
- Height: 30 to 50 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: light purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, coughs and hoarseness, reduces bad breath, has an anticonvulsant effect on stomach and intestinal complaints
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, desserts, liqueurs, soups, salads, cocktails
Popular varieties from L to P
Lavender mint(Mentha Species)
The lavender mint does not grow as much as other types of mint. It is petite and grows slowly. It gives off a pleasant, sweet scent and is ideal for making bouquets, potpourris and additives for relaxing baths.
Lavender mint enjoys a high priority in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Height: 40 to 50 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: light purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relaxing, calming, relieves sleep disorders
- Use as a seasoning herb: Mediterranean vegetable dishes, scented bouquets, bath products
Moroccan mint(Mentha spicata var. Crispa Morocco)
The Moroccan mint comes from Morocco, where it is traditionally processed as tea and drunk with a lot of sugar. It originated from the frilled mint (Mentha spicata).
- Height: 40 to 60 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: light purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves colds and sore throats, antispasmodic, digestive
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, cocktails, lemonade, salads
Tip: For a quarter liter of refreshing mint tea you need a stick of peppermint or Moroccan mint. Pour 250 milliliters of boiling water on top. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes and enjoy the healthy drink. If you want, you can sweeten the mint tea with honey.
Nana mint(Mentha spicata var. crispa Nane)
The nana mint comes from the Middle East. It is also known as Turkish mint. It is used in oriental cuisine to flavor dishes. Mainly nana mint is drunk with black tea and lots of sugar. Nana mint is milder than peppermint and is considered to be better tolerated.
- Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: pink
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, anti-inflammatory, calming, promotes digestion
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, cocktails, salads, yogurt, dips
Orange mint(Mentha piperita citrata)
The orange mint impresses with its refreshing aroma of ripe oranges. The variety is low in menthol, so orange mint is great for children's teas.
- Height: 40 to 60 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: pink
- Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, cooling and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, salads, desserts, mint vinegar, scented bouquets and potpourris
Tip: One pest that likes to attack the orange mint is the mint bear. The green iridescent beetles are pretty to look at. If they are not combated in time, they will eat your mints within a short period of time. Watch out for the beetles in spring and collect them carefully. This prevents mating and your plants are protected from the voracious beetle.
peppermint(Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint has been used for centuries. It originated from brook mint and forest mint. It is also known as English mint or garden mint.
By the way, peppermint is one of the most important herbs in British cuisine. Even meat dishes are served with aromatic peppermint sauces. Peppermint is also often used in Arabic cuisine to refine rice and Bulgarian dishes.
- Height: 50 to 65 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: white-purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, sore throats and headaches, digestive, antispasmodic
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, cocktails, ice cream, sweets, sauces, salads
Note: Mint tea is healthy, but shouldn't be drunk all the time. The high menthol content can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa if consumed regularly. Mild mint varieties such as apple, orange or strawberry mint contain less menthol and are easy on the stomach.
Popular varieties from S to Z
Chocolate mint(Mentha x piperita var. piperita chocolate)
Anyone who expects chocolate mint to taste like chocolate will be disappointed. The mint variety got its name from its use in English mint tablets. Nonetheless, chocolate mint is a wonderful herb that gives desserts with or without chocolate a wonderful taste.
In contrast to most other mints, the plant prefers a partially shaded to shady location.
- Height: 30 to 60 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: violet blue
- Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, calming, nerve tonic, cooling
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, cakes, desserts, ice cream, cocktails
Tip: The flowering, fragrant mints attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies and many useful insects.
Water mint(Mentha aquatica)
The water mint is also known as the brook mint. The marsh plant is widespread in large parts of Europe, in swampy areas, on stream banks and wet meadows. Water mint is one of the sacred herbs of the Druids. It has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries.
- Height: 20 to 50 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: light purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves stomach and gallbladder problems, helps with insomnia, reduces headaches
- Use as a seasoning herb: Tea, bath products
Lemon mint(Mentha gentilis var. citrata)
Lemon mint pampers you with a wonderful citrus scent paired with a hint of menthol. Lemon mint is ideal for making fragrant bath oils.
- Height: 20 to 40 centimeters
- Harvest: May to September
- Blossoms: light purple
- Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, calming, strengthening nerves, invigorating, anti-inflammatory
- Use as a seasoning herb: Smoothies, tea, desserts, liqueurs, soups, salads, aromatic oils
Tip: A foot bath with mint is wonderfully relaxing in summer and winter. Add five stalks of your favorite mint to one liter of hot water and let the mixture steep for ten minutes. Pour the mint water into a suitable container. Fill the foot bath with two liters of hot water and enjoy the effects.
