Mint is a versatile herb that is popularly used for culinary and medicinal purposes. With its refreshing aroma and flavor, mint adds a nice touch to drinks, desserts, entrees, and more. There are many different varieties of mint, including spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, orange mint, pineapple mint, chocolate mint, and more. With proper care, most types of mint can thrive in Florida gardens and landscapes.
Mint Plant Requirements
For mint to survive and spread successfully, it needs the right growing conditions. Here are the main requirements for mint plants:
- Full sun to partial shade – Mint grows best in locations that receive about 6 hours of sun per day. Too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch.
- Moist soil – Mint thrives when kept consistently moist. The soil should not be allowed to completely dry out between waterings.
- Good drainage – While mint needs consistent moisture, wet feet will cause the roots to rot. The soil must drain well to prevent standing water.
- Rich soil – Mint grows best in soil amended with compost or other organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients.
- pH between 6.0-7.0 – Mint prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil conditions.
- Temperatures below 90°F – Hot summer temperatures can cause mint stress. Some shade protection is beneficial.
- Space to spread – Given ideal conditions, mint will aggressively spread via underground rhizomes. Plan for its spreading habit.
Mint Varieties for Florida
Many types of mint can grow well in Florida. Some top varieties to consider include:
Spearmint
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is the classic minty flavor we associate with chewing gum and mint julep drinks. Spearmint has bright green leaves and a high menthol content that gives it its signature cooling flavor. It thrives in Florida gardens with moist soil and some afternoon shade.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) provides intense minty flavor thanks to its high menthol content. This variety has sharp flavored leaves that can be used fresh or dried for culinary use. Peppermint thrives in partially shaded areas.
Pineapple Mint
Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens) offers a fruity twist on classic mint. The leaves have a mild minty aroma and distinct pineapple undertones. Pineapple mint grows vigorously in moist soil and warm conditions.
Chocolate Mint
Chocolate mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’) has attractive bronze-tinged leaves with an addictive scent of mint and chocolate. It retains its scent and flavor when dried. Chocolate mint thrives in bright, indirect light.
Orange Mint
Orange mint (Mentha aquatica var. citrata) has prized leaves that combine mint and citrus for a refreshing flavor. Its spreading growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover option as well. Orange mint thrives in consistently moist soil.
Apple Mint
Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is known for its soft apple-scented leaves. The milder flavor pairs well with fruits in desserts, drinks, and jellies. Apple mint can handle partial shade conditions.
Planting Mint in Florida Gardens
Planting mint properly will give the plants the best chance of flourishing in your Florida garden. Here are some useful tips for planting mint:
- Start plants from cuttings or transplants – Starting from an established plant will help mint take off faster compared to growing from seed.
- Plant in spring or fall – Shoot for planting in the cooler temperatures of spring after the last frost or fall before the first frost.
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart – Give mint plants adequate space to grow. Different varieties have different spreading habits.
- Bury cuttings or transplants 1-2 inches deep – Plant mint with the top of root ball just below soil level.
- Mix compost into soil – Enrich the soil with 2-4 inches of compost tilled into planting beds before planting.
- Mulch around plants – Apply 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, straw or other organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Plant in garden beds or containers – Choose garden beds bordered by physical barriers to contain spreading. Growing mint in containers also restricts its growth.
Caring for Mint in Florida
With proper ongoing care, mint will flourish in Florida gardens. Here are some tips for keeping your mint plants healthy and productive:
Watering
- Water mint regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Aim to provide around 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation.
- Increase watering during hot, dry periods and reduce during cool wet spells.
- Monitor soil moisture and watch for any wilting or discoloration of leaves, which indicates a need for water.
- Avoid overhead watering late in the day, which can encourage leaf diseases.
Fertilizing
- Test soil and apply organic fertilizer as needed in spring and midsummer.
- Fish emulsion, compost tea, or organic all-purpose mixes are good options.
- Mint is susceptible to fertilizer burn. Apply at half the recommended rate.
Pruning
- Pinch off flower buds to promote more leaf growth.
- Cut back stems by one third to one half as needed to encourage bushier growth.
- Trim off any dead, damaged, or diseased growth promptly.
- Thin congested plants to improve air circulation.
Pest and Disease Prevention
- Ensure good airflow through foliage by thinning and pruning.
- Avoid wetting leaves when watering and space plants for airflow.
- Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control aphids, spider mites, and other pests.
- Remove badly infested leaves or stems promptly.
Is Mint Invasive in Florida?
Mint’s fast spreading habit brings up questions about its potential to become invasive in Florida gardens. Like other plants, determining mint’s invasiveness depends on several factors.
When planted in garden beds and given ideal growing conditions, mint can certainly spread quickly via underground rhizomes and become weedy. However, planting mint in containers above ground effectively restricts the spread of roots and prevents mint from taking over.
Regular pruning and maintenance is also key to prevent mint from spreading out of control. Keeping flower buds clipped off prevents unwanted seedlings from popping up where not wanted.
While mint can exhibit aggressive growth, it is not categorized as an invasive plant species in Florida. With some basic containment and care, gardeners can enjoy the benefits of mint without it invading the entire landscape.
Uses for Mint Grown in Florida
Beyond ornamental appeal, mint grown in Florida gardens can be used in many beneficial ways. Here are some of the top uses for homegrown mint:
Cooking
- Use fresh mint to flavor drinks like mojitos, mint juleps, lemonade, and iced tea.
- Add chopped mint leaves to fruit salads, desserts, lamb dishes, and more.
- Use spearmint or peppermint leaves to make mint tea.
- Include mint in marinades and sauces for meats and vegetables.
- Bake mint leaves into cookies, cakes, and other sweets.
Garnishes
- Sprinkle mint leaves over desserts like fruit salad, frozen yogurt, cupcakes, and sorbet.
- Place small mint sprigs on appetizer platters for visual appeal.
Preserving
- Air dry mint leaves to retain flavor for months of use in cooking and drinks. Store in airtight containers.
- Freeze chopped mint in ice cube trays with a bit of water for adding to warm or cold beverages.
- Infuse mint leaves in vinegar or olive oil. Use for salad dressings and marinades.
Natural Health Remedies
- Make mint tea using leaves to aid digestion, relieve headaches, and ease coughs and congestion.
- Use diluted mint essential oil topically for headache or muscle pain relief.
- Chewing mint leaves freshens breath and clears sinuses.
Repelling Pests
- Interplant mint with vegetables and ornamentals to deter certain insects like aphids, squash bugs, flea beetles, and more.
- The strong scent of mint helps mask the scent of desirable plants and can deter deer, rodents, and other pests.
Conclusion
With proper selection of mint varieties suited to Florida’s climate, along with attentive care and maintenance, gardeners can enjoy thriving mint plants. Containing mint’s growth habit while meeting its preferences for moist soil, good light, and protection from temperature extremes will lead to success. The end reward is homegrown mint that makes a flavorful and useful addition to both ornamental and edible gardens.
