Mint

Name Origin:

Derived from the mythological origin ascribed to it. Poets declared that Proserpine became jealous of Cocytus's daughter, Minthe, whom she transformed into the plant. The specific name means green, hence the common name, green mint, often applied to it. More on the History of Mint.
 

Natural Order:

Labiatæ
 

Growing Cycle:

Hardy Perennial Herb
 

Origins:

Native to Mediterranean countries.
 

Height:

grows up 2 feet tall
 

Characteristics:

Short-stemmed, acute-pointed, lance shaped, wrinkled leaves with toothed edges
 

Mint Flowers:

Cylindrical spikes of small pink or lilac flowers.
 

A Bit of A Mystery Surrounding Mint.

Mint has been known to bear flowers that are male on the first day of bloom and female on the second day along with smaller female flowers. Hermann Muller (1829 - 1883), a German botanist, believed this was a trick to attract insects to the showier male flowers first and then carry the pollen to the less attractive female flowers. (We found this in a book dating from 1900 and have not found another source that discusses this phenomenon. At the time of it's publication, the author, Neltje Blanchan, does mention that this theory had yet to be proven.)
 

Mint, when grown in weak soil will attempt to find richer soil on its own and tends to rapidly spread if left untended.
 
Mint prefers moist, rich loam and partial shade. While there will be a crop the first season, the second year will be more plentiful.
 

Cultivation.

When grown as a crop, drills should be 2 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart. Drop bits of rootstock every 6-12 inches and cover.
 
Each autumn, cut off the tops of the plant near the ground and dress liberally with manure, compost or rich soil. For best productiont results, mint beds should be renewed or changed every 5-6 years.
 

Propagation.

Mint is easily propagated by taking cuttings, offsets and divisions in the spring.
 

Mint Harvest.

When harvesting for the purpose of drying your mint, the stems should be cut on a dry day onces the morning dew has evaporated when the plants are approaching full bloom. It's best not to cut leaves during damp weather as there is a risk of the leaves turning black.