ICE MINT OR MOUNTAIN MINT NT
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 scent.
Strongly aromatic with a peppery taste, it is 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.
Preferring partial shade and humidity, it nevertheless tolerates the sun well. It reseeds easily.
Successfully sowing Ice or Mountain Mint
Sow from March to May or September to October at 20°C in a tray or directly in place, in well-drained, poor soil, not too chalky.
The rise takes 14 to 21 days .
Planting Ice or Mountain Mint
Plant ice mint in partial shade in rich, well-drained, and moist soil. Mint adapts to many conditions as long as the soil remains moist.
Water regularly to keep the soil cool and mulch to retain moisture.
If you don't want it to spread, you can contain the roots with various materials (tiles, boards, etc.).
Mint can be grown in a pot . It should 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.
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.
