Common Name: |
Scotch Mint |
Other Names: |
Red mint, Scotch mint, Scotch Spearmint. |
Botanical Name: |
Mentha x gracilis syn. M. x cardiaca, M. x gentilis |
Genus: |
Mentha |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Cultivation: |
Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Mentha aquatica thrives in wet soil and M. arvensis tolerates dry conditions. Mentha pulegium prefers damn, sandy, acid soil; M. requienii needs moist shady conditions. Foliage may damaged by mildew and rust, though M. x villosa var. alopecuroides is resistant to rust. Most mints are invasive and are best grown in confined space. Mentha pulegium is a protected species in parts of Europe, and subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (M. pulegium, M. requienii, M. satureioides only); by division in spring or autumn; by tip cuttings during the growing season, placed in moist soil mix or water (not M. requienii). Mentha requienii usually self sown self-sows. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants are cut as flowering begins, and leaves are cut during the growing season, and used fresh or dried for use in concentrated waters, infusions, liquid extracts, powders, spirits, or oil distillation. Mentha arvensis is mainly decocted or powdered in Chinese remedies. |
Height: |
30-90cm (12-36in) |
:Width |
Indefinite |
Variations: |
Madalene Hill (doublemint) Is red stemmed, and has a spearmint-peppermint flavor. Good for teas. |
Variegata (ginger mint) Has yellow-variegated leaves Height: 30-90cm (12-36in) Width: Indefinite |
|
Hardiness: |
Z6 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant, leaves, oil. |
Properties: |
A stimulant herb with a sweet, basil-mint aroma; benefits digestion and relieves spasms. Essential oil has high limonene content. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are used fresh as a flavoring, especially with melon, tomatoes, and fruit salads. |
Economic Uses: |
Source of Scotch Spearmint Oil used in toothpastes, pharmaceutical products, and chewing gum. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.275-277
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