| Herbs
Cultural
information: To have a true "Peppermint"
plant they must be grown from cuttings or plant division.
"Peppermint" is a sterile hybrid that does not produce
seed. Purchase your initial stock from your local Garden Center or
greenhouse.
"Peppermint" is
quite easy to grow. It will readily make itself at home in full
sun to partial shade in moist soil. Most gardeners don't have any
trouble growing it, they have trouble containing it. One should
frequently harvest or cut back their Peppermint to keep it looking
its
best. Remove old woody plants to allow newer, younger fresher
Peppermint plants to
fill in. At the end of the growing season cut plants back to
ground level.
Uses: Aromatic,
Cosmetic, Craft, Culinary, Medicinal and Ornamental
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Harvesting & Storage: All
of the plants in the Mentha family are best used fresh, but they
can be dried or frozen. Mint is very hardy and can be harvested as
soon as new growth appears in the spring.
Young new growth is the
most fragrant and flavorful... but all leaves are edible. Hang
small bunches of Peppermint upside down in a dry, dark, warm area to
air dry. Leaves
can be dried on paper or on screens. Store dried leaves in an air
tight container.
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