Refreshing mints

A delightfully aromatic and flavoursome herb, mint has many culinary and medicinal uses, and can be grown just about anywhere, writes JUDY HORTON

Picking mint fresh from the garden to brew a soothing, restorative herbal tea, or to throw into a salad or flavour a favourite dish is one of life’s great pleasures.

Mint has been grown as a medicinal and culinary herb for thousands of years. The name is said to derive from Greek mythology, referring to a nymph called Minthe. The Roman armies took mint with them as they conquered Europe, helping its spread to Britain and eventually to the

British and European colonies. Other mints are found around the world, including in Australia. A wild-growing mint (Mentha arvensis var. piperascens) is said to have been harvested in Japan to extract its natural menthol oil since recorded time.

The two best-known varieties used for medicinal and culinary purposes are peppermint (M. x piperita) and spearmint (M. spicata), but there are dozens of others, as well as hundreds, possibly thousands, of cultivars and hybrids.

growing tips

Mint is an outlier among Mediterranean herbs because, unlike thyme, rosemary, oregano and many others of their ilk that thrive in dry climates, mint loves moisture. In the old days, it was often grown under a dripping tap. Modern plumbing might be better, but the message holds true: mint thrives in a dampish, but not soggy, spot.

These are adaptable plants that can be grown in most parts of Australia. Mint will die back in cold winters but come back to

life in spring. It enjoys full sun in cooler areas but grows in semi-shade where it’s warmer, so is ideal for a covered patio.

While mint seed is available, it can be a little tricky to germinate. It’s far easier to reproduce the plants by splitting up clumps in spring or digging up rooted runners that spread out eagerly from the plant. An even simpler method is to place cut sprigs into a glass of water on the windowsill and wait for roots to develop, then carefully transplant into small pots.

Mint spreads quickly by underground runners, and curbing its enthusiasm is often the main challenge. Confining mint to a container is the best way to avoid problems, and a self-watering pot will supply the constant moisture it so desires. Also, be prepared to regularly divide and re-pot plants when they fill the pot, to keep them healthy and actively growing. If your in-ground mint becomes really invasive, dig out unwanted runners from the edge of the clump, then run over the mint with a lawnmower to slow it down. This also promotes lots of tender, tangy new shoots.

pests & disease

Mint plants are generally trouble free, but can be affected by sap-sucking white flies. These tiny, moth-like insects gather in great numbers on the underside of leaves, and fly up in clouds when disturbed. Hose off, or spray an insecticidal soap or natural pyrethrum under the leaves. Snails and caterpillars occasionally attack the foliage but are usually controlled easily by hand.

Mint rust is a fungal disease that develops rusty spots on leaves, and it can gradually spread to seriously weaken the plant. Cut off, bag and bin as much as possible of the damaged foliage, then apply liquid potash or feed fortnightly with a potassium-rich, flower-promoting liquid plant food. Keep any rust-affected plants away from other mint plants to avoid infecting them.