Mint 'Peppermint' Seeds

Peppermint is the world’s favourite mint for a reason: it delivers a pure, potent menthol punch that instantly refreshes. It has distinctive dark green leaves and often features strong purple or dark bronze stems, distinguishing it from milder mints.

This is the indispensable herb for medicine cabinet and kitchen alike. It is the best choice for digestive teas, homemade mint sauce, and adding a classic, cooling element to chocolate desserts, cocktails, and summer drinks.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Peppermint'

We love this herb for its sheer resilience. It is one of the toughest, most cold-tolerant herbs, growing vigorously in almost any moist soil condition. Its large leaves are ideal for drying, allowing you to stock up on fresh tea leaves to last through the entire winter.

It is also a powerful sensory herb. Growing it in a container on your patio means you only need to brush the leaves to release that strong, clearing menthol aroma, instantly lifting your spirits and deterring unwanted flying insects.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Peppermint is a highly vigorous Hardy Perennial.

This means it will survive harsh, cold winters and return aggressively year after year.
The Mint Warning: This is a highly rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads rapidly via underground runners. It will quickly take over an entire border if not contained.
Top Tip: For the best flavour, harvest leaves just before the plant flowers. This is when the concentration of essential oils (menthol) is at its peak.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Mint seeds are tiny and should be handled with care when sowing.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter the tiny seeds thinly over the surface of moist compost. **Do not cover them**—they need light to germinate. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and keep warm (18-20°C). Germination can take up to 21 days.

Where to Sow:
It prefers sun or partial shade and demands moist, rich soil. If planting in the ground, it is absolutely essential to plant it inside a deep, sturdy container or a barrier to prevent the roots from escaping.

Care While Growing:
The "Mint Chop" is necessary to manage height and encourage fresh growth. Cut all stems back by half when they reach about 30cm. This will force the plant to bush out and give you a continuous supply of tender leaves.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Peppermint is best grown on its own in a pot. Pair its container with other tea herbs nearby for a lovely sensory experience:

• 🍋 Lemon Balm: Pair the cool menthol with the bright citrus. Both are excellent for herbal teas and are highly attractive to bees, making them a dual-purpose delight in the herb patch.
• 🔥 French Marigold 'Red Cherry': For the edible garden, Marigolds are perfect companion plants, helping to repel pests like whitefly and nematodes, keeping the foliage of your mint and other herbs healthy.

📅 Sowing & Harvesting Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Harvest leaves throughout the summer and autumn.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)