Home → WV Guide → Planting Guide → Herbs → Mint — Mentha spp.

Mint — Mentha spp.

Growing resilience through ancient wisdom and modern practice

← Back

Mint — Mentha spp.

layout: base.njk title: Mint description: Growing Mint in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: herb

Type: Perennial
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate to high (prefers consistent moisture)
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Hardiness: Zones 3-9 (varies by species)

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: ½-1+ lb fresh leaves per season (vigorous grower)
  • Per patch (10'x10'): 10-15 lbs fresh (if contained, 10-15 plants)
  • Lifespan: Indefinite—spreads via rhizomes, essentially immortal

🏺 Heirloom Varieties (5-10+)

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

  • Source: Widespread, most nurseries, Seed Savers Exchange
  • Notes: Most common mint. Spearmint flavor (carvone compound). Green leaves. Vigorous. Best for cooking, tea, jellies.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

  • Source: Widespread, herbal collections
  • Notes: Hybrid (spearmint × water mint). Dark green leaves, purple stems. Strong menthol flavor. Best for candy, tea, medicinal use.

'Chocolate' Mint

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Burpee, specialty nurseries
  • Notes: Spearmint variety. Chocolate aroma (especially when crushed). Brown-tinged stems. Good for desserts, tea. Vigorous.

'Curly' Mint

  • Source: Herb specialists, rare collections
  • Notes: Crinkled leaves. Spearmint flavor. Ornamental. Good in containers.

'Lime' Mint

  • Source: Specialty herb nurseries
  • Notes: Strong lime fragrance. Good for tea, cocktails, desserts. Vigorous.

'Lemon' Mint

  • Source: Herb specialists
  • Notes: Lemon scent (Mentha citrata). Light green leaves. Delicate flavor. Tea, fish, fruit salads.

'Apple' Mint

  • Source: European collections, herb specialists
  • Notes: Fuzzy leaves. Mild apple scent. Good for tea, fruit salads. Vigorous.

'Pineapple' Mint

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Burpee
  • Notes: Variegated green and cream leaves. Pineapple fragrance. Ornamental. Mild flavor. Good in containers.

'Ginger' Mint

  • Source: Asian collections, specialty nurseries
  • Notes: Ginger scent. Variegated leaves. Good for tea, Asian dishes. Vigorous.

'Basil' Mint

  • Source: Rare collections
  • Notes: Basil-like fragrance. Unusual variety. Good in salads, tea.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

  • Source: Specialty nurseries, ground cover specialists
  • Notes: Creeping (1-2" tall). Strong peppermint scent. Good between stepping stones. Less vigorous.

Bergamot/Monarda (Bee Balm)

  • Source: Native plant nurseries (different genus but mint family)
  • Notes: Earl Grey tea flavor. Native species. Attracts hummingbirds.

📜 Cultural History & Domestication

Domesticated: Ancient Mediterranean/Asia, 2,000+ years ago

Archaeological Evidence: Mints native to Europe, Asia, Africa, North America. Wild mints used since prehistoric times.

Historical Record: - Ancient Egypt: Peppermint found in pyramids (1000 BCE). Used medicinally. - Ancient Greece: Mint named after Minthe, nymph transformed by Hades. Greeks used mint for digestion. - Ancient Rome: Romans spread mint across Europe. Pliny described medicinal uses. Romans used mint to flavor wine, sauces. - Medieval Europe: Mint grown in monastery gardens. Strewed on floors for fragrance. Used to clean teeth. - Victorian England: Mint sauce with lamb became tradition. Mint julep popularized in American South (1800s). - Name origin: Greek "minthe" (nymph), Latin "mentha"

Cultural Significance: - Greek myth: Minthe transformed into mint by Persephone (jealousy) - Roman tradition: Mint strewed in banquet halls for fragrance - Medieval belief: Mint prevents milk from curdling - Jewish tradition: Mint used to scrub synagogue floors - Victorian language of flowers: Mint meant "virtue" - Traditional medicine: Digestive aid, respiratory relief, cooling - Modern use: Peppermint oil (menthol) in medicine, candy, flavoring - Symbol of hospitality, virtue, refreshment

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

  • Seed method: Many mints are sterile hybrids (don't produce viable seed). Species mints produce small seeds. Not recommended—seedlings variable.
  • Isolation: Crosses readily between mint species
  • Viability: 3-4 years (for species that produce seed)
  • Division: PRIMARY method. Divide runners any time growing season. Each node with roots becomes new plant.
  • Cuttings: Stems root easily in water (1-2 weeks). Plant rooted cuttings directly.
  • Special notes: Vegetative propagation essential for variety preservation. Cuttings root in water or soil. Runners spread aggressively—divide regularly to control. Share extras with gardening friends!