The aroma of mint will make you close your eyes as your thoughts drift to a summer day. Mint not only enhances iced tea and mixed drinks, it is also a wonderful surprise flavor in savory dishes, including meats, stews, and vegetable fritters. Tiny flowers are loved by bees.

Family: Laminaceae

Native: Unknown

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 6 and warmer, and possibly down to zone 3.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Plant Dimensions: 18" tall and spreading indefinitely by underground stems called rhizomes.

Variety Info: This common mint is neither peppermint, spearmint, nor any other specific type. Mints readily cross-pollinate, so plants grown from seed are more variable.

Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Good for Containers

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 68°–75°F.

When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 7–14 days

Seed Depth: Press into surface

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"

Row Spacing: 18"

Thinning: Thin to 1 every 12"

Harvesting: Pick individual leaves or sprigs at any time.