Research | Plants: Peppermint

According to Wikipedia, there are 13 to 18 species of mint plants that are known.[1] The mint that I am most familiar with growing wild in the country is the Peppermint (Mentha piperita). I have been exposed to milder mint called Colon Mint, which is short for Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. So, in essence, I have only known two types of mint.

The peppermint is the most popular of all the mints and, thus, the most used. It is used to add flavour to ice cream, confectionery and toothpaste. It is also used in cosmetic products.

Peppermint Plant

I find this is a good plant to compliment the Aloe gardens in Danver's Pen, St. Thomas. Not only because of the wide range of uses but also because it is a natural pesticide (i.e. mostly the oil made from it).

This plant grows between 1 to 3 ft. in height and spreads out like a shrub. It's the perfect plant to decorate the garden and bring good fragrance to it. According to Sara Moore[3],

From seeding to maturity, mint takes about 90 days. This means that it will achieve its full height, generally of 1 to 2 feet, and it will be ready to harvest. At this point you can cut mint down to 1 inch above the soil, and it will regrow to harvest height again in a month and a half or so. Generally mint can be harvested three times in a single season. Mint is mature when it blooms in July or August, but it can be harvested any time after it is 3 to 4 inches tall.

I would have to put this plant in a shady spot in the farm because it is not like Moringa or Aloe Vera that thrive in arid conditions. The Peppermint would have to be watered once a day.[4]

I have plans to make an Aloe Vera concoction from the leaves. So it is part of the manufacturing plans that I have.

Reference

Mentha - Wikipedia
Mint: Care and Tips - Mountain Valley Growers
How Long Does Mint Need to Grow? - Sarah Moore
Growing Mint by Patrick De Pinguin

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