Mint, Julip

This particular variety of mint boasts a sturdy and upright growth pattern, making it an excellent choice for use as a garnish for desserts or drinks. It is most commonly associated with the classic cocktail, the Mint Julep, due to its robust and flavorful taste. However, it is important to note that, like many other types of mint, this variety can be quite invasive in a garden setting and may spread rapidly. To combat this, it is recommended that the plant be either potted or planted in a container buried in the ground to help control its growth. Overall, this variety of mint is an ideal addition to any herb garden or kitchen, providing both visual appeal and culinary versatility.

Mint: Mint (Mentha spp.) is the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of herbs: vigorously perennial, intensely aromatic, and wonderfully useful for beverages, cuisine, and aromatherapy, but aggressively spreading if not contained. Multiple species offer a range of delicious flavors including classic peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, pineapple, and orange. Identification is easy thanks to the characteristic square stems and menthol aroma. To prevent a takeover, plant this herb in containers or use root barriers.

• Growing Tips: Transplant anytime during the growing season, spacing 12-18 inches apart if ground-planted, but preferably using containers or buried barriers to control its extremely vigorous spread.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

• Preferred Soil: Rich, moist soil; tolerates wet conditions better than most herbs.

• Harvest Details: Cut stems regularly for fresh use (which also controls growth); harvest before flowering for the strongest flavor; plants die back in winter but return vigorously in spring; perennial in zones 3-11.