Chocolate mint plant full#

It’s pretty small- about 3 to 4 mm big- making it very difficult to spot with the naked eye. The specific species that is known to infest mint is the Two-spotted spider mite. Here’s a rundown of the most common bugs and diseases that can attack your crop. Pests and diseases are another key reason why your mint plant could be dying. This makes it suitable for growing in containers or hanging baskets. This plant also produces a fragrant smell, which some liken to that of strawberries.īut what you’ll love most about the strawberry mint is its compact size. The hardy perennial can be identified through its small-sized green leaves and pinkish-violet flowers that appear in summer. If you’re looking for a mint variety that can survive indoors when winter sets in, the Strawberry species is your best bet. The most crucial factor, however, is to ensure the substrate is constantly moist.

Water mint can also grow effortlessly in tubs, but remember to place it in a semi-shaded or sunny spot. It means that if the soil in your garden is always too wet, or there happens to be a pond nearby, this is the perfect plant to grow. But the Mentha aquatica, as it’s popularly known, is an exception. Water mintĮarlier, we mentioned that mint prefers slightly moist soil. You can identify apple mint through its bright green leaves, which have a unique circular shape with somewhat toothed edges. Mentha suaveolens, as it’s known scientifically, is one of the taller varieties of mint, and it can grow up to three feet tall. Given that the majority of mint species do well in warmer temperatures, we’ll focus on those that can survive wintry conditions.Īptly named, this mint species is loved for its fruity fragrance. Some varieties can survive in the cold but others, not so much. Growing the Wrong Mint SpeciesĪnother thing that can kill your mint plant is planting the wrong variety for the climatic conditions in your area.

Chocolate mint plant full#

Since mint fares best in full sun, it’s advisable to check its moisture levels in the early or mid-afternoon to determine if it needs another watering session. This way, the mint plant can retain enough moisture before the harsher rays of the sun hit it. If it feels very dry, then you’ll know it’s time to water.īut if the soil is still moist, give it a day or two and check again.Īnother thing that I have learned over the years is that the best time to water is in the morning. Ī simpler approach I like to use is to stick one finger in the soil about 1 inch deep. To achieve this, you can use a moisture probe. In fact, a common mistake that gardeners make is to water this plant on a schedule instead of being guided by the moisture level in soil. However, this doesn’t mean that you should drown it in water. Yes, mint thrives in constantly moist soil. Avoid disrupting the soil this means keeping off from techniques like digging and tilling.Dress it with organic matter like shredded leaves, grass clippings and plant debris.Here are a few tips that can help improve the texture, pH and fertility of mint soil: It causes water to remain still on the surface, meaning it never reaches the root system. The heavily-compacted clay soil isn’t a good choice either. That said, you’ll want to avoid sandy soil as it will let water run through, making it difficult to keep your mint hydrated. The soil ought to have good drainage and still be able to retain a decent amount of moisture to support good growth. In that regard, the best medium for this crop is rich, slightly acidic soil, preferably with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.Īnother soil-related aspect you’ll want to think about is drainage, especially if you’re growing your mint in pots or containers. If you get factors like soil right, then you won’t have to worry about your plant dying. Mint has a bad rep for being a difficult herb to grow. Addressing these specific issues can ensure your mint thrives. Your Mint plant might be dying due to an unsuitable growing medium, overwatering, selecting an inappropriate mint species, or facing issues from pests and diseases.