ICE MINT OR MOUNTAIN MINT AB
Pycnanthemum pilosum
Mountain mint or ice mint is a variety of mint with beautiful white flowers native to the Rocky Mountains of North America, with slender, fine foliage and a camphor-like scent.
Strongly aromatic with a peppery taste, highly prized for making tonic and digestive teas and infusions.
Very hardy , it is not very invasive and will attract many pollinators to the garden.
Prefers partial shade and humidity , but tolerates sun well. Reseeds easily.
Successfully sowing Ice or Mountain Mint
Sow in March-May or September-October at 20°C in a box or directly in place, in well-drained, poor soil , not too chalky , emergence in 14 to 21 days .
Planting Ice or Mountain Mint
Plant mint in partial shade in rich, well-drained, moist soil . Mint adapts to many situations as long as the soil remains moist. Water to keep the soil moist. Mulch .
If you don't want it to spread, you can contain the roots with various materials ( tiles , boards , etc.).
It is possible to grow mint in a pot . It will be placed in partial shade on a balcony or windowsill . Keep the soil moist . Repot every year, changing the substrate.
Mint loses its foliage during the winter and starts growing again in the spring.
In the fall, cut the stems back to only 10 cm . This encourages new shoots to grow in the spring.
Mint Harvest
Harvest as needed, from March to October , by cutting the stems or picking a few leaves . New ones will form quickly.
To preserve mint , you can dry it, freeze it whole or in ice cubes .
