Growing Peppermint Indoors

Takes just a little space but give so much pleasure!

Peppermint herb photoPeppermint, M. Piperita, is a wandering, invasive herb with a deep purple, square stem and deep green leaves. Peppermint has been used for centuries for it's culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties.

A summer-growing, perennial aromatic herb, Peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint). The Peppermint herb grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin.

Growing peppermint indoors is so easy, as unlike other culinary herbs, mint practically grows itself.
Culture

Pot Size                    6 to 8 inches container.

Seed Spacing             Sow seeds 2" apart approximately 1/2" to 1/8" deeps.

Plant Spacing             Push one seed a half inch into the center of the pot.

Preferred pH Range     For ideal growth recommended pH range is from 6.0 to 7.5.

Seed Germination       14 to 21days.

Soil Requirements       Well drained and rich fertile.

Growing Mix                Mix a little sand in with a good food-friendly potting soil.

Fertilizer                     Fertilize once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer.

Sun & Lighting             Moderate exposure to sunlight daily

Water Requirements     Keep the soil moist but not wet constantly.
Uses

Peppermint plant pictureThere are many ways to use the Peppermint in a variety of culinary recipes. One is to float some fresh Peppermint leaves in chilled summer drinks or add the herb as an ingredient in different fruit punches. The Peppermint must always be added as crushed leaves before use to bring out the optimum flavor in the dishes, unless of course, you are making use of the herb as a garnish for various salads and greens.

The classic application for mint of course is for roast lamb. However, the herb goes equally well with all meats including chicken and fish and especially with the hearty taste of wild meats such as venison, particularly if served with a berry sauce. Most vegetables also will be enhanced with the addition of mint, notably new potatoes, peas and carrots.

A Peppermint tea can be brew, this tea is very soothing and having a cup of peppermint is the perfect relaxing drink. Peppermint tea is one of the best insomnia solutions you can find.

Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms.

And you definitely have heard about peppermint oil. Peppermint oil like other herbs and spices has great medicinal properties. It has been used for years to clam digestion as it is an excellent digestive aid. Just a few drops in a glass of water make it a refreshing drink that has not only a good taste but also improves digestion. Peppermint oil fights against upset stomachs, stops the growth of unnecessary bacteria, calms and relaxes the muscles. Peppermint oil abandons gas, bloating and abdominal cramps and increases the formation of digestive fluids.


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