How To Grow Chocolate Mint

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

How to grow chocolate mint

Chocolate mint is a fast growing, easy plant to have in the garden. Like all plants though, it has its preferences. It grows best with at least five to six hours of sun a day, preferably up to 14 if it's available. More sun results in the best taste and color.

Can you grow chocolate mint in the house?

Chocolate mint also does well in containers: One benefit of this is that you can bring your plant indoors in the fall, then keep it in a sunny, south-facing window over the winter. If you're using a container, choose a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

Does chocolate mint come back every year?

As a perennial plant, your chocolate mint will come back next year. The leaves will die during the winter, but the plant will be back. You'll see shoots form the next spring. To prepare your plant for winter, mulch around the herb before the first frost.

Does chocolate mint spread fast?

Chocolate mint plants (Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate') are attractive, fragrant and easy to grow. As with most square-stemmed members of the mint family, growing chocolate mint can take over the area in which it is planted in the ground, readily and quickly.

Can chocolate mint survive winter?

To overwinter potted chocolate mint, move it into a basement or unheated garage for the winter. Give it a little water when the soil is dry a few inches below the surface, and move it back outdoors when the weather warms in the spring.

Does chocolate mint repel bugs?

Spearmint, peppermint or chocolate peppermint, or any mint, will help repel the mosquitoes. And make your planting area smell like a candy dish. Mints are aggressive and spread quickly, so be sure to harvest often.

Is chocolate mint invasive?

Chocolate mint will spread prolifically if left unchecked. All mints have the tendency to become invasive, chocolate mint is no exception. Once established it will vigorously spread via its underground stems so you'll need to maintain its spread in order to prevent it from overtaking neighboring plants.

Can you eat chocolate mint plant leaves?

Chocolate mint is popular for use in a variety of dessert applications. Leaves can be used to add flavor to ice cream, mousse and custards. Use in cocktails where traditional mint is called for to add a subtle cocoa aroma and flavor. Chop leaves and add to ice cubes or popsicles.

What is the difference between mint and chocolate mint?

Chocolate mint is a cultivar of peppermint, a cultivar being a strain cultivated specifically for a few desirable characteristics—in the case of chocolate mint, the pretty brown hue of its stems and an aroma that's been compared to Andes mints (the chocolate-peppermint candy that your grandparents liked to keep in the

Why is mint chocolate controversy?

The controversy was sparked from the differing views of mint chocolate being two great tastes meshed together to other opinions condemning its similarity to eating toothpaste or gum.

How big does a chocolate mint plant get?

Chocolate Mint will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front.

Can you freeze chocolate mint leaves?

Melt chocolate, and dip in mint leaves, holding on to the stem side with your fingers or kitchen tweezers. Place on a parchment-covered baking sheet, and freeze, uncovered, until hardened, about 20 minutes (or up to 5 hours). Gently remove from parchment, and serve immediately.

Can you smoke chocolate mint leaves?

Herbal Properties: Mints are used primarily to impart flavor to smoking blends. There are many varieties worth experimenting with, including spearmint (Mentha spicata) (pictured above), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and chocolate mint (Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate').

Will mint choke out weeds?

If you want to add it to an existing herb bed then the best way is to sink a deep bucket or tub without holes into the soil and plant into that as otherwise mint will quickly choke out the other plants. Apart from that, mint is not a fussy plant and will even grow under trees or in shade.

What insects does mint repel?

Mint isn't just great for cooking. Its oils are proven to repel fleas, ticks, ants, mice and moths. Mint is an invasive plant, so you'll want to put it separately from your garden (unless, of course, you want an all-mint garden).

Is it better to dry mint or freeze it?

Freezing mint leaves is the better option if you are looking to preserve the herb's aroma. To freshen up your summer drinks and cocktails, try chopping up your mint leaves and freezing them in ice cubes. If instead you are looking for whole leaves to garnish your food, dried mint is the way to go.

Can I leave potted mint outside in the winter?

Mint, parsley and rosemary are all hardy plants that will survive even in the snow. However, cold weather will reduce their growth, so you should limit the harvest. If you take too much, the plant may die. Make sure your pots have good drainage – waterlogged roots will rot and die.

Should mint be cut back in the fall?

Harvest as and when you need to, allowing some stems to bear flowers for pollinators. Mint is perennial, meaning it comes back every year. Cut back to ground level in autumn and mulch with well-rotted compost annually, to ensure a fresh crop of healthy leaves com spring.

Is chocolate mint toxic to dogs?

No, your dog shouldn't eat peppermints or mint sweets. Although they often do not contain anything toxic, they are certainly not healthy given the shedloads of sugar packed inside those small sweets.

How do you store chocolate mint leaves?

Place the mint in a plastic bag, not sealing all the way so that air can circulate. Do not wrap tightly; trapped moisture will cause the herbs to mold. Trim the ends and place in a glass filled with about 1” of water. Cover with a loose fitting bag and refrigerate.