Lemon Mint
Lemon mint, also known as Mentha citrata, is a delightful herb prized for its refreshing lemony aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in teas, culinary dishes, and as a fragrant addition to gardens. Growing lemon mint not only adds a burst of citrus scent to your outdoor space but also provides you with a versatile herb for various uses.
Preparing for Growing:
- Selecting a planting location: Choose a location with partial to full sun exposure.
- Soil preparation: Prepare well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Lemon mint prefers loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, ensure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Starting from Seeds Indoors:
- Seed preparation: Lemon mint seeds do not require special treatment before sowing.
- Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining potting mix.
- Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow lemon mint seeds thinly on the surface of the soil, cover lightly, and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the containers in a warm, bright location or under grow lights.
Starting from Seeds Outdoors:
- Soil preparation: Prepare the outdoor planting area as described earlier.
- Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow lemon mint seeds outdoors after the last frost date in spring. Scatter seeds over the prepared soil and cover lightly.
- Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.
Growing in Containers/Pots:
- Selecting suitable plants for containers: Lemon mint grows well in containers and hanging baskets.
- Container and soil preparation: Use well-draining containers filled with a mixture of potting soil and compost.
- Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers following the same procedure as outdoor planting.
- Caring for container plants: Place containers in a location with partial to full sun exposure, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Transplanting to Garden:
- Soil and planting site preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant lemon mint seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
- Post-transplant care: Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly and provide shade for a few days to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.
Plant Care:
- Watering: Lemon mint prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Weeding: Keep the area around lemon mint plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Pest and disease management: Lemon mint is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but occasional pests like aphids or powdery mildew may occur. Monitor plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with organic remedies if necessary.
Harvesting:
- Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest lemon mint leaves when the plant is actively growing and has reached a height of 6-8 inches.
- Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut stems with a sharp pair of scissors or pruners. Harvest leaves in the morning when essential oil content is highest. Use fresh leaves immediately or dry them for later use.
When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:
- Start lemon mint seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area or sow them directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Fast Facts:
- Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or scatter them over the soil surface.
- Seed spacing: Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart.
- Plant spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Number of seeds per pot/container: Sow several seeds per container and thin to the strongest seedling.
- Water preferences: Lemon mint prefers consistently moist soil.
- Sun preferences: Partial to full sun.
- Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Companion Planting: Lemon mint attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plant near vegetables and other herbs to enhance pollination.
- Temperature Preference: Lemon mint thrives in moderate temperatures but can tolerate mild frost.
- Days to Germination: Lemon mint seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
- Days to Harvest: Lemon mint leaves can be harvested when the plant is actively growing, usually after 6-8 weeks.