Medicinal Peppermint Rootstock

About Medicinal Peppermint

Medicinal Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a classic perennial herb renowned for its cooling menthol aroma and versatility. This robust plant is perfect for brewing soothing teas, extracting essential oils, or enhancing recipes with its vibrant flavour.

With purple flower spikes and lush green foliage, Medicinal Peppermint adds beauty to your garden while attracting bees and other pollinators. Its spreading growth habit is easy to manage in containers or moist, rich garden beds.

Where Can You Grow Medicinal Peppermint

Medicinal Peppermint thrives in Zones 3-9, growing best in partial to full sun and consistently moist soil. It is perfect for garden beds, raised beds, or containers to control its spreading nature.

History and Historical Uses

Medicinal Peppermint has been used for centuries for its calming and digestive properties. Traditionally valued as a remedy for headaches, nausea, and indigestion, it remains a favourite in natural medicine and culinary traditions worldwide.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Plant root stock in early spring or autumn for rapid establishment.
• Zones 5-7: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn with mulch for winter protection.
• Zones 3-4: Mulch heavily after planting to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
  

How to Grow and Harvest Medicinal Peppermint

1. Planting: Plant roots flat, 3-4cm (1-1.5in) below the soil surface in a container or moist garden soil.
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Harvesting: Harvest leaves and stems throughout the growing season for fresh use. Cut flowering stems for drying and long-term storage.
4. Control Growth: Plant in pots or use barriers to contain spreading rhizomes.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Medicinal Peppermint is propagated primarily through root divisions rather than seeds. To propagate:

1. Divide Mature Plants: Dig up a section of the root system in early spring or autumn.
2. Replant Immediately: Replant divisions in moist, rich soil with space to spread.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)