An exceptionally fragrant and ornamental plant Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and honey bees as well as other nectar harvesting organisms forage them heavily.

Beekeepers can produce a lovely varietal honey if there is a sufficient area of plants. Peppermint makes a wonderful addition to a butterfly or wildlife garden.

Recipes often specify a “sprig" of mint, a sprig usually being a stem of mint with 3 or more mint leaves.

For cocktails and drinks calling for mint sprigs or leaves such as such as Schnapps, Mint Juleps or Mojitos, 6 to 8 leaves of mint is more appropriate.

Sowing: Sow in autumn or spring.

Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays.

Do not cover the seed as it needs light to germinate, simply press the seeds lightly into the compost and water from below. Keep moist and propagate at 18 to 20°C (65 to 68°F). Be patient, the seed can be rather slow to germinate and can be erratic, continuing over a number of weeks.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into single 15cm (6in) pots. To create vigorous and bushy mint plant growth it is best to pinch back the tips of young plants.

Cultivation:

Peppermint, as with all mint plants may get out of control when planted to grow freely in the garden. Take care to contain it. Grow plants in bottomless containers either sunk in the ground, or above ground. One plant per 15cm (6in) container should suffice.

All mints thrive, in cool, moist spots in partial shade, though they will tolerate full sun. Make sure to water well during the peak of summer heat and cut back often to prevent flowering and encourage new growth.

Every three years mint plants should be divided and re-potted in fresh soil and compost to maintain healthy growth. The plants are hardy and will die back to ground in winter. Top dress with compost in autumn if the plants are not lifted annually.

Harvesting:

Harvesting of mint leaves can be done at anytime, you can harvest as much as you want. Fresh mint leaves should be used immediately or stored for a couple of days in plastic bags in a refrigerator. Fresh leaves can also be frozen in ice cube trays. Dried mint leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.

For the highest oil content, the best time for collection is in August and early September, when mint is coming into flower.

Menthol and menthyl acetate are responsible for the pungent and refreshing odour; they are mostly found in older leaves and are preferentially formed during long daily sunlight periods. The leaves and flowering tops are usually used, pick them just before flowering and do it in the morning after the dew has disappeared. That's when they have the highest content of essential oil.

There are at least thirty species of mint and all species of the genus Mentha are aromatic, although none of them are as pure in aroma as peppermint.

Culinary Uses:

Beef, Lamb, Garnish, Preserves, Garnish, Oil, Vinegars, Desserts, Jellies, Candies, Teas and Infusions, Juices, Liqueurs and Cocktails.

in Britain, peppermint is popular mostly for sweet foods. It is the oldest and most popular flavour of mint-flavoured confectionery, chewing gum and ice cream. The freshness of peppermint goes extremely well with chocolate flavour.

Peppermint and its relatives are popular herbs for infusions; e.g. an infusion of green mint is the `national beverage' in Morocco and Tunisia.

Recipes often specify a “sprig" of mint, a sprig usually being a stem of mint with 3 or more mint leaves. For cocktails and drinks calling for mint sprigs or leaves such as such as Schnapps, Mint Juleps or Mojitos, 6 to 8 leaves of mint is more appropriate.

Medicinal Uses:

Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures and has a long tradition of medicinal use, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand year s ago. Classified as a carminative herb, peppermint has been used as a general digestive aid and employed in the treatment of indigestion and intestinal colic.

Peppermint can be used in sleep pillows as an aid to sleep. It can be burnt as incense to cleanse the home.

Fresh seeds are packed in ziplock bags!