Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a vigorous perennial mint. It loves moisture and light, spreads aggressively and thrives in hydroponics, coco and soil. As a sterile hybrid it is propagated by cuttings, not seed.

Updated:

Important notes

in a bed: Peppermint spreads aggressively by underground runners. Keep it in a pot, otherwise it takes over the bed.

essential oil / large amounts: Menthol and pulegone in mint oil are toxic to cats (and dogs) — cats metabolise essential oils poorly. A stray leaf is usually harmless, but avoid concentrated mint oil/diffusers. ↗

Light

Bright, 14–16 h; tolerates some part shade.

Watering

Generous and evenly moist — mint likes wet but not stagnant feet.

Temperature

18–26 °C; hardy, re-sprouts in spring.

Humidity

50–65 %.

Target values by method & stage

Hydro
Stage pH EC (mS/cm) Water °C Air °C Humidity % Light h Duration (days)
Seedling 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 18–22 18–24 55–70 14 21
Vegetative 5.8–6.5 1.2–1.8 18–22 18–26 50–65 14 35
Harvest 5.8–6.5 1.2–1.6 18–22 18–26 50–65 14 35
Soil
Stage pH EC (mS/cm) Water °C Air °C Humidity % Light h Duration (days)
Seedling 6.1–6.8 0.8–1.2 — 18–24 55–70 14 21
Vegetative 6.1–6.8 1.2–1.8 — 18–26 50–65 14 35
Harvest 6.1–6.8 1.2–1.6 — 18–26 50–65 14 35
Coco
Stage pH EC (mS/cm) Water °C Air °C Humidity % Light h Duration (days)
Seedling 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 18–22 18–24 55–70 14 21
Vegetative 5.8–6.5 1.2–1.8 18–22 18–26 50–65 14 35
Harvest 5.8–6.5 1.2–1.6 18–22 18–26 50–65 14 35

Common problems

Mint rust (orange pustules), mildew, spider mites in dry air; spreads and crowds out neighbours.

Space & Size

Final height
60 cm
Final width
40 cm
Spacing
30 cm
Root depth
25 cm

Pests & diseases

Pest / Disease Symptom Organic treatment
Aphids sticky shoot tips rinse off, beneficials
Spider mites fine webbing, stippled leaves in dry air raise humidity, predatory mites, neem
Flea beetles many tiny shot-holes in the leaves row cover, keep soil moist, sticky traps
Mint rust orange pustules under leaves remove affected shoots, improve airflow, cut back to the ground in autumn
Powdery mildew white powdery coating on leaves improve airflow, water at the base, remove affected leaves
Verticillium wilt one-sided wilting and yellowing despite moist soil remove affected plants, rotate location, use resistant strains

Edible parts

  • Leaves · edible from Vegetative — fresh or dried leaves for tea and cooking

Yield techniques

Harvest shoots above a leaf pair for bushy growth; harvest before flowering (peak aroma).

Propagation & pollination

Method
cutting
Germination time
7 days
Germination temp
18-22 °C
Pollination
cross
Hand pollination needed
no

cuttings root in a glass of water; divide runners

Companion planting

🔴 Bad neighbours: Bay Laurel

Flavor

cool, intensely minty (menthol)

Storage

Fresh in the fridge, dried or frozen for tea.

History

Peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint, discovered in England in the 17th century.

Nutrition

Contains menthol and antioxidants, soothing for the stomach.

Sources

Florabase

With Florabase you log pH, EC and all measurements — free forever.

Start for free