Chocolate Mint Plant

Light Needs

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Feature

Chocolate Mint is a delightful herb that loves to be harvested. The more this herb is cut back, the more tender shoots it produces. Use Mentha piperita in teas, as a garnish for desserts, or in potpourris. Mint can be harvested all through the summer and even during the winter in the warmest USDA growing zones. Chocolatey-brown stems set off the deep-green leaves, and when it blooms, beneficial pollinators swarm around the delicate but highly fragrant flowers. 

Chocolate Mint Care  

Mint plants tend to be rambunctious growers and should be grown in containers. Place Mint in a location with at least 6 hours of full sun. Shade early or late in the day is acceptable and will benefit plants growing in the hottest growing zones. Use a soil-based potting mix and add perlite to improve drainage. Although Mint generally spreads quite far and fast, Chocolate Mint is more restrained and can happily grow in a smaller pot as long as it is watered well. When harvesting, evenly cut from all sides to help the mint stay in a nice, compact mound.

Growing Chocolate Mint

Chocolate Mint will produce new foliage until the first frost of fall. Mint will continue to grow new foliage in warmer zones throughout the winter. Mint can be harvested soon after planting and responds very well to light, frequent pruning. Chocolate Mint will grow to 3x3 feet if left uncut and will need to be divided regularly when container grown.

Mint is best grown in a container because it can become a nuisance in the garden, quickly taking over beds. Pots with 6-8 inch diameter are acceptable for growing one plant on a deck or patio. Mint can also be added to mixed plantings or hanging baskets, allowing the branches to eventually cascade over the edge. Repotting will be needed in the spring. Divide the plants in 2 when repotting to multiply your stock, or prune out half the root system to keep Chocolate Mint at your preferred size.

Watering Chocolate Mint 

Chocolate Mint can tolerate some periods of drought when it is planted in the ground, although container-grown plants may not be as hardy. Water when the top 2-3 inches of potting soil are dry and provide 1 inch of water a week. Daily watering will be needed late in the summer as the root system takes up more room in the pot. 

Feeding Chocolate Mint

Mint, as a plant family, rarely needs supplemental fertilizers. Repotting in the spring with fresh soil-based potting mix is the only boost Chocolate Mint needs for healthy growth all season.

SKU:

1231000653-pc