Peppermint is a vigorous perennial herb with dark green leaves, high menthol content and an intense cooling flavour. It spreads quickly by underground runners, so grow it in a pot unless you want it taking over the garden.
Fresh peppermint leaves in hot water make a tea that is genuinely better than anything from a teabag. Also excellent in summer drinks, salads, lamb dishes and chocolate desserts. Once established, you will have more mint than you can use, which is not a bad problem to have.
🌱 Sowing depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly; seeds need light to germinate
📅 Ideal planting months for Ireland: Sow from March-May indoors or under cover; plant out after last frost
☀️ Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
🌡️ Germination time: Approximately 10-21 days at 15-20 °C
📏 Plant height: Around 30-90 cm at maturity
🪴 Spacing: 30-45 cm between plants or one plant per generous pot
⏳ Days to maturity: About 60-80 days to first substantial harvest; perennial with harvests in following years
🧪 Approximate seeds quantity: about 500 seeds per packet
