Mentha suaveolens
Apple mint is a lovely, aromatic mint plant that has many fantastic culinary, medicinal and decorative properties. Like many other varieties in the mint family, it is rich in essential oils that have antiseptic properties.
The delicate flavour of apple mint works best in fresh, uncooked preparations. Add to cocktails, mocktails and tea. Add whole or chopped leaves to popsicles, sorbets and ice cubes. Use to make sauces or herb rubs for poultry, lamb and seafood. Roughly chop Apple mint and add to chutney, dressings, jelly or brine when pickling. Apple mint is great for drying and this way you can save it for later to avoid any waste.
Sprouts within: 7-14 days
Harvest in: 35 - 84 days
Temperatures: 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F
- Apple mint is not heat-sensitive and grows best at 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F.
- Apple mint seedlings are super tiny. Once they get going, they quickly produce a lot of stems and provide multiple yields.
- In approximately one month it should be ready for its first harvesting. Continue harvesting by cutting off the stems until the pod is about 12 weeks old.
- It grows best with one lamp arm. So, as soon as it starts reaching the lamp, cut the stem back strongly. Cutting also encourages new growth, which means more produce for you to enjoy!
- Apple mint can easily be replanted in a larger pot or in an outdoor flowerbed once the plants have used up all of the nutrients in the pod. Moreover, the nectar-rich flowers are not just decorative, they also feed bees and other wild insects.
