Apple Mint: Your Guide to Growing an Ornamental and Flavorful Herb

Are you in search of a plant that not only looks beautiful but also has a refreshing, fruity taste? Look no further than apple mint, also known as Mentha suaveolens. This herb boasts menthol flavor with a hint of apple fragrance, making it a delightful addition to any garden.

With fuzzy green leaves measuring one to two inches in length, reaching a height of two to three feet, and adorned with white, pink, or purple flowers, apple mint is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This plant serves as an excellent ground cover, enhances various cuisines, attracts beneficial pollinators, and is incredibly easy to grow and maintain year after year.

Let’s delve into the world of apple mint and explore everything you need to know to successfully cultivate this delightful herb in your garden.

Cultivation and History

Table of Contents

Despite its name, apple mint has European origins, specifically from the southern and western regions of Europe. This herb has a long history of human enjoyment, dating back to Ancient Greece, where it was used in baths and to clean banquet hall tables. Additionally, apple mint was used as a strewing herb, releasing a sweet, apple-like fragrance when crushed underfoot in buildings to repel pests.

Historically, apple mint was also utilized as a medicinal herb in monasteries to alleviate post-seizure fatigue, earning it the moniker “monk’s herb.” In modern times, apple mint is valued for both its culinary and ornamental uses. It adds flavor to various dishes and is often used in alternative medicine to treat inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and fevers. Additionally, its dense foliage makes it an excellent ground cover and an attractive accompaniment to other plants with different textures.

Propagation

When it comes to propagating apple mint, using seeds can be challenging due to their tiny size and cross-breeding tendencies. For successful propagation, vegetative methods such as root division and stem cuttings are preferred. These techniques are commonly used by commercial growers and can be easily replicated in a home garden setting. To learn more about how to propagate apple mint, refer to our comprehensive mint growing guide.

How to Grow

Climate and Soil

When growing apple mint, ensure you are planting it in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9, where it will thrive in full sun or partial shade. The ideal soil pH for apple mint ranges from 6.0 to 7.0, and it prefers well-draining, loamy soil. Avoid overly fertile soil, as it may lead to issues such as rust, reduced mint oil production, and bland-tasting leaves. If your soil lacks nutrients, adding one to two inches of compost, manure, or peat moss before planting can improve growing conditions.

Planting

Due to its vigorous growth and invasive tendencies, it’s essential to contain apple mint by planting it in a designated area or using containers with proper drainage. Plant the roots just below the surface when transplanting and space the plants one to two feet apart to allow for healthy growth.

Water and Fertilizer

Apple mint thrives in constantly moist soil but should not be overwatered to avoid disease. Water the plants in the morning to ensure they stay hydrated, checking for dryness regularly. While apple mint requires some fertilizer, a once-a-year application of slow-release 16-16-16 fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient. Incorporate the fertilizer into the top six inches of soil around the plants to promote healthy growth.

Growing Tips

Work fertilizer into the top six inches of soil for optimal absorption.
Utilize apple mint as a ground cover in areas that are challenging to cultivate.
Apply a light mulch to retain moisture in hot climates.

Maintenance and Pruning

The maintenance of apple mint depends on your desired outcome. If you prefer blooms and want to attract beneficial pollinators, allow the plants to flower freely. However, if you aim to harvest flavorful leaves, prune the plants two to three times a year by pinching off blooms or cutting them back above the soil level. Remember to prune apple mint regularly to keep it contained, especially if it tends to spread aggressively.

Cultivars to Select

While apple mint doesn’t have as many cultivars as other mint species, one noteworthy variety is M. suaveolens ‘Variegata,’ also known as ‘Pineapple’ mint. This variety features variegated leaves with creamy white edges, adding visual interest to your garden. To maintain the variegation, trim back the green-leaved stems to prevent them from overtaking the variegated foliage. ‘Variegata’ mint prefers partial shade to avoid leaf burn in hot, sunny conditions.

Managing Pests and Disease

Apple mint is generally resistant to herbivores but may be susceptible to certain insects and diseases common to the Mentha genus. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and diseases like anthracnose by monitoring the plants regularly. For a detailed overview of common pests and diseases affecting M. suaveolens, refer to our comprehensive mint article.

Harvesting and Preservation

Harvest apple mint leaves and sprigs throughout the growing season for optimal flavor. Choose young, small leaves for the best taste and pick them just before flowering, late in the morning, when the essential oils are at their peak. After harvesting, rinse the leaves, pat them dry, and store them in the refrigerator submerged in water for up to a week for fresh use.

To preserve apple mint for long-term storage, consider air-drying or freezing the leaves. Air-drying involves bundling the stems in a paper bag in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. For freezing, spread the washed and dried leaves on a baking sheet, freeze, and store them in airtight freezer bags for extended freshness.

Cooking Ideas

Apple mint can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including freshly cooked meats, vegetables, lemonades, teas, potatoes, fruits, and salads. Its versatile flavor adds a zing to dishes and beverages, making it a popular choice for home cooks and chefs alike. To discover delicious recipes featuring apple mint, explore our sister site, Foodal, for culinary inspiration.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type: Perennial herb
Maintenance: Low
Native to: Southern Europe, Western Europe, Western Mediterranean
Tolerance: Herbivores
Hardiness (USDA Zone): 5-9
Soil Type: Loamy
Season: Spring-fall
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Drainage: Well-draining
Time to Maturity: 2 months (harvest), 2-5 years (full)
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, other pollinating insects
Spacing: 1-2 feet
Companion Planting: Fine or coarse-textured plants, broccoli, tomatoes
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch (seeds), depth of root ball (transplants)
Avoid Planting With: Potatoes
Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Water Needs: Moderate to High
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species: Suaveolens

In Conclusion

The unbridled awesomeness of apple mint makes it a must-have in any herb garden or container setting. Whether you appreciate its beauty, taste, or fragrance, this versatile herb is sure to enhance your gardening experience while adding a touch of appetizing aesthetics to your landscape. Feel free to share your questions, experiences, or gardening tips in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you and help you on your apple mint journey!

For more mint-related content, check out these additional mint guides:

15 of the Best Mint Varieties to Grow at Home
How to Grow and Use Chocolate Mint
How to Grow and Care for Spearmint Plants
How to Grow and Care for Peppermint Plants

Remember to enjoy the process of cultivating and harvesting apple mint, and savor the flavorful experience it brings to your culinary creations and garden ambiance. Happy growing!