About Chocolate Mint

Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita 'Chocolate') is an aromatic and versatile perennial herb with a distinct chocolate-mint flavour that makes it a favourite for herbal teas, desserts, and cocktails. Its attractive dark green-brown foliage and purplish stems add ornamental appeal, while its vigorous growth makes it an excellent choice for filling garden spaces or container planting.

Like all mints, Chocolate Mint spreads readily, making it a wonderful pollinator-supporting ground cover. It can also be grown in large pots to control its spread. Frequent harvesting throughout summer encourages fresh, new growth for continuous use in the kitchen.

Where Can You Grow Chocolate Mint?

Chocolate Mint thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It can be planted in garden beds, along pathways, or in containers to manage its spreading habit.

History and Historical Uses

Mints have been cultivated for centuries for their culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties. Chocolate Mint, a variation of peppermint, is particularly valued for its dessert-like fragrance and is widely used in teas, baking, and fresh dishes. It has long been associated with digestion and relaxation, making it a popular herbal remedy.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8-9: Plant root stock in autumn or early spring for fast establishment.
Zones 5-7: Plant in spring after the last frost; mulch in autumn for winter protection.
Zones 3-4: Grow in containers or mulch heavily over winter to protect roots.

How to Grow and Harvest Chocolate Mint

1. Planting: Space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in garden beds or containers.
2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist for optimal growth; mints tolerate some drought once established.
3. Harvesting: Snip stems throughout summer to encourage new growth.
4. Maintenance: Trim back in autumn to promote healthy spring growth the following year.

Root Stock Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Allow Plants to Spread: Chocolate Mint naturally propagates through underground runners.
2. Divide and Replant: Dig up sections of root stock in early spring or autumn and replant in new locations.
3. Container Growth: If growing in pots, divide and refresh soil every 2-3 years to maintain plant health.
4. Store Over Winter: In colder zones, store root divisions in a cool, damp medium like sand or peat moss before replanting in spring.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)