The genus of mint bears the botanical name mentha, it includes many different species. The herbaceous plants belong to the mint family and are very persistent. They have become widespread mainly due to the aromatic smell and spicy taste of the leaves. Popular varieties include peppermint and Moroccan mint, but most types of mint are difficult to tell apart visually. Some are fully hardy, while others require winter protection.
peppermints
One of the best-known species is peppermint, the cultivation and use of which has been a tradition in many countries for many centuries. Thanks to the many effective ingredients, the herbs have a healing and beneficial effect on the human body. These include the essential oil menthol, flavonoids as well as bitter substances and tannins, which have an antispasmodic and gall-promoting effect. They also have a pain-relieving effect on stomach problems and promote long-term digestion. The perennial plants can be used for the production of teas, food and spices, they grow herbaceous and form underground runners and rhizomes.
Bavarian Peppermint 'Proserpina'
The German breed 'Proserpina' comes from the Bavarian Garden Research Institute Weihenstephan, which is responsible for the breeding of many selected types of herbs.
- Extremely robust and hardy herb
- Delivers high yields at harvest in the first year of planting
- Leaves are very rich in menthol
- Particularly resistant to diseases
English Peppermint 'Mitcham'
The English peppermint bears the name in botany Mentha x piperita 'Mitcham' and is one of the oldest known mint species. It was created from a cross between spearmint and water mint. Due to the great joy of growth, it should have enough space in the garden to spread unhindered. Regular repotting is advisable in the bucket, otherwise the plant will become susceptible to rust.
- Originally from England
- Grows up to 80 cm high
- Perennial and extremely hardy cultivar
- Prefers a slightly sunny to partially shaded spot
- Very strong aroma of peppermint
- Forms dark leaves and stems with red edges
- Requires moist site conditions
Curled mint
The distinctive mint herb bears the botanical name Mentha crispa and stands out because of its curled and wavy leaves. This is why the plant looks particularly good in a beautiful planter on the balcony or terrace.
- Hardy and robust herb
- Reaches heights of growth between 40-80 cm
- Slightly sunny to partially shaded locations are ideal
Green mint
Vikramaadityasumbria, Mentha spicata Jammu India, crop from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
This type of mint is called in botany Mentha spicata and is also known as spearmint. The taste is strong and spicy.
- Forms delicate pink cylindrical flowers
- Reaches growth heights of up to 120 cm
- Perched leaves are opposite
- Slightly sunny to semi-shady places are ideal
Kentucky spearmint
Raffi Kojian, Gardenology.org-IMG 7830 qsbg11mar, crop from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kentucky spearmint bears the botanical name Mentha x cordifolia and scores with a strong taste of menthol chewing gum. That is why this mint herb is well suited for use in cold remedies and syrups.
- Perennial but not fully hardy herb
- Not suitable for the garden bed in mountainous locations
- Needs winter protection on the balcony or terrace
- Can reach heights of growth of up to 50 cm
- Slightly sunny to partially shaded locations are ideal
peppermint
Peppermint bears the botanical name Mentha x piperita and is the classic among the various types of mint. The robust plant can easily be cultivated in the local latitudes, as it is quite undemanding and robust.
- Perennial and hardy plant
- Prefers partially shaded to slightly sunny locations
- Forms light purple spike flowers
- Growth height is 50-90 cm
- Stalked leaves are 3-7 cm long
Pennyroyal
neckbone, Mentha pulegium romana, crop from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
This variety is called in botany Mentha pulegium and is a creeping herb with small leaves. At first glance, it is not recognizable as a mint variety for many. Due to its growth form and the strong fragrance, it is well suited for creating a scented lawn in the garden. In addition, it can also be cultivated as a slightly overhanging pot plant or in a hanging basket. On the other hand, the plant is not used in the kitchen because it contains the substance pulegone, which can be slightly toxic.
- Not quite hardy mint
- Requires a mild climate at the site
- Requires additional winter protection
- Forms hairy, light pink flowers in the leaf axils
- Leaves are oval and smell extremely spicy
- Low growth height of 10-50 cm
water mint
Joël van der Loo, Mentha aquatica Meinerswijk, crop from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The water mint bears the botanical name Mentha aquatica and is commonly cultivated as a pond plant. It thrives both at the edge of the pond and in the shallow water zone, contact with the pond bottom is important. In addition, this special type of mint can also be planted in tubs, but a permanently moist plant substrate is the basic requirement. Due to its high growth potential, water mint is not suitable for a mini pond on the balcony or terrace. It forms many rhizomes and claims the entire vessel for itself within a short time.
- Perennial and also hardy mint
- Reaches growth heights of up to 90 cm
- Prefers partially shaded to slightly sunny locations
- Forms pink spherical flowers
- Leaves are ovate with hairy stems
Notice: Hardy mint species can be easily cultivated in the garden bed and herb garden. Planting in tubs and planters on the balcony or terrace is recommended for limited hardy varieties.
fruit mints
In contrast to peppermints, fruit mints have a significantly lower menthol content, so they are not quite as spicy. However, the various fruity aromas seduce the palate and smell very good. Depending on the proportion and composition of the essential oils, surprising flavors and fragrances have emerged in recent decades thanks to new breeds.
apple mint
The apple mint is called in botany Mentha suaveolens and has a refreshing aroma that tastes like apple. Therefore, the herb is not only suitable for the preparation of teas, but also for use in smoothies and salads.
- Perennial and hardy mint
- Can reach amazing heights of up to 80-100 cm
- Feels good in sunny to partially shaded locations
- Forms pink and distinctive flowers
- Leaves are bright green, elliptical in shape
banana mint
The banana mint bears the botanical name Mentha arvensis 'Banana' and really exudes an intense banana scent. That is why this tender, leafy variety is particularly suitable for sweet dishes.
- Perennial but not entirely hardy mint
- Needs extra winter protection
- Grows creeping and not very tall
- Growth height is only up to 50 cm
- Half-shady to sunny site conditions are ideal
strawberry mint
The strawberry mint is called in botany Mentha species 'Strawberry' and tastes almost nothing like mint. This variety scores with an extraordinary strawberry aroma. When the leaves are crushed, a bitter and very intense scent arises.
- Has compact growth
- Reaches growth heights of up to 50 cm
- Ideal for limited space
- Prefers a bright but not full sun spot
Tip: All mint varieties are happy about regular and extensive watering. You should also use some organic fertilizer every six weeks during the growth period. In the spring there is a strong pruning, so the harvest remains evenly high.
orange mint
Orange mint bears the botanical name Mentha piperita var. Citrata. It gives teas a fruity and exotic note, but the herb lacks the typical taste of menthol. Due to the gentle aroma, this variety is well suited for compositions with other tea herbs and for fruity desserts.
- Reaches growth heights of up to 80 cm
- Round leaves with dark red to bronze tones
- As bright and sunny a location as possible
- Needs heat to develop full aroma
- Slightly sensitive and not frost hardy in all locations
- Forms light purple flowers
lemon mint
The lemon mint is called in botany Mentha x gentilis var. citrata and develops a tart-sour flavor that is reminiscent of lemon peel. Therefore, the herb is well suited in combination with fruits and fruit salads.
- Perennial and also hardy variety
- Grows about 40-60 cm high in the garden
- Sunny to semi-shady places are ideal
Tip: A root barrier is recommended when cultivating outdoors, as most varieties will spread very quickly and profusely if left unconfined.
species for tea
Tea mints generally have a lower menthol content and have a significantly less pungent taste than peppermints. Therefore, these species are much more digestible and stomach-friendly, making them more suitable as tea herbs for regular consumption. Tea mints are not only used on their own, they can also be used with other herbs as well as with green and black tea. These varieties are widespread, especially in the Arab world.
Moroccan mint
The Moroccan mint is called in botany Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Nane' and is one of the best-known types of mint alongside peppermint. Due to the low demands on care, this very aromatic variety is also well suited for beginners.
- Perennial and hardy herb
- Compact habit, only 50-60 cm high
- Prefers sunny to semi-shady site conditions
velvet mint
The velvet mint bears the botanical name Mentha x dumetorum and forms velvety leaves with a mild mint aroma.
- Perennial but not fully hardy mint
- Needs warming winter protection during the winter months
- Grows between 40 to 60 cm high
- Variety grows extremely wide
- Sunny to semi-shady places are ideal
chocolate mint
Photo by David J. Stang, Mentha x piperita f. citrata Chocolate 0zz, crop from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The chocolate mint bears the botanical name Mentha x piperita var. piperita “Chocolate” and its taste is reminiscent of the “After Eight” chocolate. The unusual herb is ideal for preparing teas and desserts.
- Belongs to the perennial and hardy species
- Reaches a height of 60 to 70 cm
- Leaves are ovate to elliptical
- Reddish leaf color with dark brown stems
- Flowers are light violet to intense violet
- Sunny to partially shaded locations are ideal
Turkish mint
H. Zell, Mentha spicata var. crispa 001, clipping from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Turkish mint bears the botanical name Mentha spicata var. crispa and forms strongly curled leaves. It is one of the mint species that only bloom very rarely.
- Perennial and hardy mint
- Reaches growth heights of up to 90 cm
- A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal
Tip: It is best to water your mint plant in the early morning or late evening when the sun's rays are not as strong. To avoid damage to the leaves, do not water the plants from above.