Herb Cultivation: Mint Varieties
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If you love the taste of mint, then you’ll be happy to know that this is one herb that’s so abundant – and comes in so many varieties (some claim as many as 600) – that even the experts have trouble determining the various forms of the herb. From chocolate to pineapple to ginger, the variations of this herb blend numerous taste favorites with the icy ’s intrinsic to their nature.
Exploring the Variations of the Mint Family
In addition to the more popular peppermint and spearmint varieties, the mint family also includes such herbal variations as Persian mint, apple mint, chocolate mint, ginger mint, pineapple mint and Bergamont orange mint. Other forms of the herb are available, as well, such as basil mint and Egyptian mint and, perhaps, hundreds of minty cousins. In fact, this is one herb that has too many variations to list, since there are ever increasing hybrids that become available on a regular basis.
Herb Cultivation: Gardening with Mint
The cultivation of the mint family is really quite easy, as long as you’re careful to establish and maintain specific growth boundaries. This particular herb tends to flourish and can easily overcome other areas of the landscape, most specifically when it begins the process of
Mint thrives in moderate to rich soil that’s kept moist, in a shaded or lightly sun-flecked area. Under these conditions, the herb can become quite invasive, if you’re not careful, and will tend to establish lengthy subterranean runners. You’ll need to keep that in mind when performing thinning or cutting back procedures of the herb. These
When establishing an outdoor herb garden, the type of mint that’s used will depend upon the overall effect that you’re striving to achieve. For instance, the more common spearmint and peppermint varieties of the herb will provide a thick carpet of deep green, while the Corsican variety offers tiny, delicate leaves that provide a breathtaking effect.
The Uses of the Mint Family
Specific variations of the herb tend to be used to achieve certain effects, such as in the case of peppermint. In addition to being a popular food flavoring, this form of the herb is also used in various health and beauty aids. There’s good reason for that: peppermint contains mild medicinal qualities which aid in relieving some of the symptoms of common illnesses, such as congestion, headache, indigestion
Spearmint, the equally popular counterpart of peppermint, is generally used as a flavoring agent, rather than a curative. Most herbs, in fact, that are members of the mint family play a major role in the culinary world and –both indoors and outdoors.
From Mint Juleps to mouthwash, these refreshing herbs can be found around the household in a variety of arenas. Those who cultivate indoor herb gardens will have the added pleasure of a delightfully aromatic natural air freshener at their disposal.