How to grow mint

How to grow mint

mint

Mint is an aromatic herb known for several centuries. The origin of mint is from the Latin word mentha, and Greek myths indicate that Mintha is a nymph who was transformed by Persephone, the wife of the king of the Underworld, into an aromatic plant, the mint. Mint is one of the herbs that are used in many foods, sweet and salty, and most importantly, it is used to give the tea a distinctive flavor and smell, in addition to its use in the manufacture of perfumes, mouth fresheners, toothpaste, and chewing gum, and for medical purposes, such as relieving sore throat, and congestion. And as an antipruritic, and to relieve minor pain. For all of the above, many people are keen to grow mint in their homes, to be available upon request.

Mint cultivation method

Mint is one of the types of plants that can be grown easily, it does not need much attention, because it is fast-growing, and multiplies by rhizomes, mint can be multiplied using seeds, but it is not recommended because it is difficult to predict the characteristics of the resulting crop, The best way to grow mint is by following the following steps:

• Obtaining a mint plant: You can buy mint seedlings from agricultural nurseries or garden supply stores, and choose the appropriate type. You can also get a branch that was previously planted from mint plants, and you can cut a branch that is approximately (10) centimeters long, and there is no problem in the absence of any leaves on the branch. The twig is placed in a cup of water, and the leaves are removed from the submerged part. The white roots need a week to appear, and you will need another week to reach the appropriate length.. The water must be changed every few days to avoid rotting, and water is added to the cup when needed.
• Choosing the right time for planting: Mint is a flexible plant, but it is preferable to start planting it during the spring or fall.
• Choosing the right pot: The plant is planted so that the roots are directly under the soil, and it is preferable to plant it alone in the pot because the roots of the mint plant grow quickly, and encroach on the roots of other plants, to grow one plant will be a container with a width of (12-16) inches sufficient, and if desired. By planting more than one seedling in the same pot, you must leave enough space between each seedling to allow it to grow freely.
• Add materials that help the soil retain water and prevent it from drying out, such as polymer, pearlite, or vermiculite.
• Choosing a place with sufficient sunlight: When planting mint, you must choose a place that receives sunlight in the morning, and partial shade in the afternoon, so that it receives sufficient light without drying out, and the pot can be placed on the window or inside the house.
• Choosing the right soil: The soil pH should be between (6-7) to get the best results, and fertilizers can be added to the soil every few weeks, and to maintain soil moisture, you can add bio-cover, or mulch ) around the roots
• Regular watering of the mint: The mint plant must be irrigated regularly, especially if it is under direct sunlight, and the soil should be checked to ensure its moisture. It must be taken into account that the plant is irrigated without being immersed in water.
• Trim the upper part of the plant: to encourage the lateral growth of the plant, which helps to obtain full leaves, and gives a better crop.
• Pruning mint buds so that there is no chance for flowers to open: When buds appear on the stem of mint, which usually happens between June and September, it is preferable to cut them; This is so that the growth of mint does not get out of control, and to increase the harvest season.
• Dividing the mint plant every two or three years: If the mint is planted in a container, it is expected that the pot will become narrow after two or three years. The aroma and flavor of mint are nice and strong.
• Treating the plant if it is infected with ergot fungal disease: This disease is also known as fungal rust, and one of its symptoms is the appearance of brown or orange spots on the underside of the leaves of the plant, and it is treated using fungicides.
• Plant protection from diseases: The plant can be prevented from infection with some diseases such as Verticillium wilt, a yellow mint disease known as anthracnose, or infection with some insects such as fleas, beetles, or worms. Roots, spiders, or root mites, by providing good ventilation and well-drained soil. To get rid of insects, the plant can be sprayed with a garden hose, or the leaves are washed with insecticidal soap.
• Picking mint leaves when needed: Leaves can be picked from late spring to early autumn, provided that the number of picked leaves does not exceed one-third of the leaves, and the leaves must be given an opportunity to grow again before picking a larger amount.
• Protect the roots of the mint before the frost season by using bio-cover, and it is better to cut the leaves and stem.

For more information about the benefits of ginseng, you can read the article Benefits of ginseng

The properties of the mint plant

The mint plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and the genus (Mentha), which includes (25) species of mint. North, South Africa, and Australia. The mint plant has stems that are square and branched, ranging in length from (10-120) centimeters. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, and they may be oblong, or pear-shaped, covered with fluff, and their edges are serrated, and the colors of the leaves of different types of mint vary, they may be Dark green, grayish-green, purple, blue, or pale yellow, mint flowers are small, arranged in groups in the form of rotors, or in the form of a terminal spike, the flower consists of four white, pink, or purple petals, mint fruits are in the form of a small, dry capsule containing about (1-4) seeds.

types of mint

There are several types of mint that can be grown and multiplied at home, and different types of mint are often planted in the same way, and they also need the same conditions suitable for growth. When planting different types of mint, it must be taken into account that they are far enough from each other, so as not to pollinate one type of mint with pollen of the other type, and the resulting appearance of the characteristics of different types of mint in one plant, and may lead to the emergence of flavors or unpleasant odors. Among the most famous types of mint that can be grown and propagated are the following:

• Peppermint, or syringe.
• Pointed mint (English: Spearmint)
• Sweet-smelling mint, or apple mint
• Chocolate mint. European mint.
• Water mint
•   field mint
•    Lavender mint