Peppermint — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Mentha × piperita |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant divisions or rooted cuttings in spring in moist, rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun to partial shade; contain in buried pots or with root barriers sunk 12 inches into the soil as peppermint spreads aggressively by underground stolons and will colonize a large area if uncontained. Mentha × piperita is a sterile hybrid between water mint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata) that is propagated vegetatively; it is the mint whose essential oil (menthol) is used in toothpaste, confections, medicine, cosmetics, and a vast range of products, and whose leaves are used for peppermint tea, juleps, mojitos, and as a culinary flavoring. Black peppermint (var. piperita) has purple-tinged stems and the strongest menthol flavor; white peppermint (var. officinalis) has greener stems and is slightly milder. Both types prefer moist, fertile soil and appreciate afternoon shade in hot climates.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0