Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Varieties of Mint



It is estimated that there are over 600 varieties of mint in the world today. Listed below are some varieties and their particular attributes:

Apple Mint – Tall sturdy stems with large, fuzzy, grey-green leaves that smell slightly of apple, bears white flowers in summer. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Chocolate Mint – This herb has dark, rich foliage. It tolerates hot, dry conditions and is not as invasive as most mints. A nice desert mint! Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Curly Mint – A taller mint that sports bright green leaves that are attractively curled. The taste and smell are similar to spearmint. Curly Mint tends to be an aggressive grower. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Ginger Mint – Is an ornamental and aromatic mint, with lightly variegated leaves and a delicate hint of ginger. Performs best with protection from hot, afternoon sun. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Mint Julep – Is named after the famous beverage with Kentucky bourbon. Because of its excellent flavor, Mint Julep is one of the best mints for tea and sweet recipes. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Kentucky Colonel Mint – Kentucky Colonel Mint is the wrinkled leaf form of the variety of mints called Mentha spicata, or “spearmint”. This fragrant herb was transported by the conquistadors and is sometimes called the “conquistador’s footprint”. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Mojito Mint – Mojito Mint is a beautiful full leaved mint orginating in Cuba. Easy to grow, its spearmint scent is mild and warm – not overbearing as other mints can be. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Mountain Mint – Mountain Mint, is an easy, vigorous grower that spreads by rhizomes, established plants are very tolerant of drought like conditions. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Orange Mint – Smells of citrus and is spicier than most mints. Requires little care. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Peppermint – The most famous of all mints, it requires little care and makes excellent teas and candy. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Pineapple Mint – This one has variegated foliage and a light pineapple scent. Use with lamb, fruit salads, and teas. Works well in mixed pots with other herbs. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Spearmint – One of the most intensely fresh mints, milder than peppermint, it is used in sauces, jellies, and teas. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Variegated Peppermint – Beautiful, creamy variegation, tightly compact, highly fragrant and flavorful – what more could you want in this lovely peppermint variety. It’s hardy and easy to grow, and not too fussy about soil either. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Catnip – Cats love this euphoria-inducing herb. Makes a great filling for cat toys. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

Pennyroyal – This member of the mint family is a low, creeping, dense variety, which makes a durable groundcover. It is the most powerful insect repellent of the mint family. Place in your pet’s bedding to repel fleas and ticks. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.

‘Walker’s Low’ Catmint – Striking blue flowers are abundantly massed atop fragrant grey-green foliage. Makes a beautiful, dense mound. A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Learn more about this variety including sowing information.