Here are a few tips for growing Mexican mint at home:
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden. This mint prefers full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade.
- Prepare the soil beforehand. Mexican mint grows best in rich, well-drained soil. Add additional sand or organic matter to hard or clay-like soil to aid drainage.
- Sow the seeds indoors.
How to care for mint plant?
1 Light. Mint plants prefer part shade, though you can grow it in full sun if you water it frequently. ... 2 Soil. Mint prefers a rich soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. ... 3 Water. One thing mint needs is constantly moist soil with adequate drainage. ... 4 Temperature and Humidity. ... 5 Fertilizer. ...
How do you grow Mexican Mint?
To grow Mexican mint, plant it in part sun/shade and make sure it’s in well-drained soil. Because it grows better in warm and dry conditions, you’ll also have to transfer it indoors during autumn and winter. Make sure to move it around your garden and into the shade if it gets too hot, though, as its leaves may burn.
How do you care for a Mexican mint marigold?
A native of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought. Plant transplants after the last spring frost. It tolerates many different soil types, but good drainage is a must. Give it full sun to part sun and water regularly until it’s established. In summer, give it a weekly deep watering.
Is Mexican Mint good for indoor gardening?
If you’re looking for a new plant to grow in your indoor or outdoor garden, Mexican mint or Mint Marigold is a good option. This herb is not only a fragrant and tasty addition to most dishes; it also blooms beautiful flowers in the summer, adding a burst of bright color to your landscape. Interested? Keep reading for more information!
Is Mexican mint indoor or outdoor?
This member of the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows. Outdoors grow it in dappled shade with fertile well-drained soil. The aromatic foliage provides a nice backdrop for the lilac-pink, mauve or white flowers that appear in summer.
Does Mexican mint plant need sunlight?
Cuban Oregano (Mexican Mint) will tolerate light shade, but will thrive in full sun. Water well, but sparingly. The soft, succulent leaves and will rot if it stays too wet.
Can Mexican mint survive winter?
Although you can grow it from the ground, keep in mind that it will freeze during the colder months. If you expect harsh winters regularly, it's a good idea to place these in containers so you can protect them from the frost.
How do you water Mexican mint?
Mexican Mint needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
How often should you water Mexican mint?
This plant tolerates poor soils, but it must be well drained. Mexican Mint marigold needs regular water to establish and then deep watering weekly to keep it at its best. Divide plants by digging the clumps every two to three years.
Can Mexican mint be eaten?
Plectranthus amboinicus, commonly called mexican mint, spanish thyme, indian borage. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They have an oregano-like aroma. The leaves are taken internally in the treatment of a range of digestive problems such as dyspepsia, indigestion, diarrhea, and wind.
Is Mexican mint a perennial?
Getting only about 18” tall and wide, this compact perennial is perfect in small spaces. Harvest its distinctive anise or licorice-flavored leaves throughout its growing season from spring through frost. In fall, bright yellow marigold-like flowers attract migrating butterflies and other pollinators.
Can Mexican mint be used for tea?
If you are suffering from a cold or other respiratory illness, Mexican mint treats many of the associated symptoms including sore throat, stuffy nose, congestion, or sinus inflammation. You can chew the leaves or use them to brew a flavorful tea.
What can I do with Mexican mint?
Mexican mint marigold has a sweet, anise flavor. Add the fresh leaves to chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads. You can preserve the flavor of the herb and create a tasty dressing by adding fresh Mexican mint marigold to vinegar. While it is possible to use the herb dry, the dried form loses a lot of flavor.
How do you grow Mexican Mint indoors?
Water the mint plant well after planting and place it in an area with indirect light, preferably an east-facing window during spring and summer or a west or south-facing one in fall and winter. You'll also want to locate your mint plant in an area with an indoor temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees F.
How do you propagate Mexican Mint?
Summary: growing mint from cuttings Strip off leaves from each stems' bottom 2″ Dip the stem in a growth hormone and plant in potting soil OR. Place the stem in a glass of water for a few weeks until mature roots have grown before planting.
How do you harvest Mexican Mint?
Begin harvesting leaves when the plant has reached about 12 inches in height, clipping sprigs or individual leaves for tea or seasoning. If the plant does flower, the small, bright yellow flowers are good additions to salads, as a garnish and for weavers; the flowers can produce a nice yellow dye.
How do you grow Mexican mint indoors?
Water the mint plant well after planting and place it in an area with indirect light, preferably an east-facing window during spring and summer or a west or south-facing one in fall and winter. You'll also want to locate your mint plant in an area with an indoor temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees F.
Is Mexican mint and mint the same?
Mexican mint is a member of the mint family, and has similar leaf-shape. It is semi-succulent, and thus it's leaves and stems are fleshy. The plant appears almost entirely green, though some varieties have leaves with white edges.
Is Mexican mint a perennial?
Getting only about 18” tall and wide, this compact perennial is perfect in small spaces. Harvest its distinctive anise or licorice-flavored leaves throughout its growing season from spring through frost. In fall, bright yellow marigold-like flowers attract migrating butterflies and other pollinators.
Can Mexican mint grow in water?
Mint is easy to grow in water on a sunny windowsill. Just remember to change the water often.
About Mexican Mint and Mexican Mint Marigold
Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a perennial succulent in the Lamiaceae family. Because it’s a mint plant, it’s easily characterized by its wide, thick, and fuzzy leaves as well as its pungent aroma.
How to Grow Mexican Mint and Mexican Mint Marigold
To grow Mexican mint, plant it in part sun/shade and make sure it’s in well-drained soil. Because it grows better in warm and dry conditions, you’ll also have to transfer it indoors during autumn and winter.
Uses of Mexican Mint and Mexican Mint Marigold
These plants don’t just have aesthetic purposes; they’re useful in the kitchen as well!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have our expert advice on how to grow and use these herbs, you’re more than ready to add them to your own gardens!
Mexican Mint Nutrient Facts and Therapeutic Values
Mexican mint is a rich source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral contents. The herb contains Vitamin B (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate), Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and numerous monounsaturated and polyunsaturated Fatty acids. [4]
Potential Health Benefits of Mexican Mint
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects around 1% of the human population all over the world. The autoimmune disease causes severe pain and dysfunctions of the joint.
How to Use Mexican Mint Herb
Traditional uses of Mexican mint includes consumption of the fresh leaves, infusion or tea, syrup, and application of the Mexican mint essential oil.
Bottom Line
Mexican mint is a powerful therapeutic herb. It has wide medicinal uses in the folk remedies of India, Brazil, Africa, and North America.
How to Plant Mint
Because mint is an aggressive spreader, keep it separated from your regular garden beds or the plants will consume nutrients and overgrow other plants in the bed. Growing mint in containers is recommended to keep it contained from spreading rampantly to other areas of your garden.
Mint Plant Care
Mint plants prefer part shade, though they will grow in full sun if you water them frequently. Still, it's best to protect them from strong afternoon sun. Mint also can survive in fairly shady conditions, though it might be leggy and not produce as many or as flavorful of leaves.
Types of Mint
There are many types of mint that come in a range of appearances and flavors. They include:
Mint vs. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, but it tastes and smells different than other typical types of mints. However, it looks like an oversized mint plant so it is often mistaken for mint. It has a more lemony scent but with a twist of mint. Lemon balm also has larger leaves and grows taller than mint.
Harvesting Mint
You can start harvesting mint leaves once the plant has multiple stems that are six to eight inches long. This amount of growth should take about two months if you are growing plants from seed or less time if you buy nursery plants. Mature mint can be harvested in summer and fall before the shoots die back.
How to Grow Mint in Pots
Many gardeners choose to grow mint in containers. An unglazed clay container with ample drainage holes is best because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through the holes and the container walls. Use a quality potting mix, and make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Pruning
Mint prefers to be a ground cover. Pruning back the stems also makes for a bushier and more attractive growth habit. To relieve yourself of major pruning maintenance, grow your mint in a confined location, such as in a pot or between paved areas.
What Temperature is Best for Mint Plants?
Mint plants are happy at room temperature. They do best in temperature ranges between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your mint plant indoors in temperature-controlled rooms or outdoors in an area that gets part shade in the warmer months. Keep your plant away from drafty areas or heater vents.
How Much Sunlight Do Mint Plants Need?
Mint plants need indirect sunlight. Place them in a sunny windowsill in your home or in an area of your yard that gets partial shade. Be sure to bring any outdoor plants inside for the colder winter months, as mint is not frost-resistant.
Do Mint Plants Like their Soil Most?
Mint plants like their soil moist but not soaked. You should monitor your plant’s soil daily to ensure that it does not get too wet or too dried out. Early morning is the best time to check your mint’s soil. That way, you can ensure that the plant will have enough moisture as it gets funnier and warmer throughout the day.
How Often Should you Water Mint Plants?
Mint may need less watering during the fall and winter months when temperatures are cooler, and the plant is growing more slowly. Instead of needing watering almost every day, they might only need watering once a week or so.
What Bugs Does Mint Keep Away?
Spearmint and peppermint are the types of mint that work best for keeping the bugs away. The scent of mint, also known as menthol, works as an excellent natural bug repellent. It can repel aphids, spider mites, ants, spiders, and even pesky mosquitoes!
How to Create Bug Repellent for Your Plant
You can create your own bug repellent bags at home by picking some mint leaves from your plant, crushing them up, and placing them in a small sachet or tea bag. Hang the bag wherever you’d like to deter pests.
Conclusion
In summary, mint plants offer a lot of benefits for plant owners to enjoy. From keeping bugs away to making your breath smell great, mint plants have many benefits. Finally, mint plants might have some challenges to take care of, so reference these tips above if you have any questions!
