Mentha spicata var. crispa (Curly Mint)

Mentha spicata var. crispa, also known as Curly Mint or Crinkled Mint, is an aromatic perennial boasting dark green, fragrant, and crinkled or curled leaves, giving the plant its distinctive appearance. Spikes of tiny, white to light pink or purple flowers are borne above the foliage in summer. Native to Europe, Curly Mint spreads by creeping rhizomes to form an extensive colony. The plant is highly aromatic and releases a strong, minty fragrance when crushed. It is widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Curly Mint Culinary Uses

Mentha spicata var. crispa is commonly used in culinary dishes as a fresh or dried herb. It is a popular ingredient in mint sauces, marinades, and drinks such as mojitos and mint tea. It is also used in desserts and confectionery items, such as ice creams, candies, and chocolates. Its flavor is fresh and minty with a slight sweetness, and it is often paired with other herbs, spices, and fruits to enhance the flavor of a dish.

Growing Curly Mint

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in rich, moist soils in full sun or partial shade. Curly Mint, however, adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones.
• This aromatic herb can be used as a garden specimen, ground cover, in herbs and kitchen gardens, and in vegetable gardens.
• It is a vigorous grower that will spread all over the place and could become invasive. You can plant it in raised beds, pots, or containers to keep it within bounds.
• You can also grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.
• Curly Mint is extremely easy to grow and relatively low maintenance.
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep the leaves clean.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Check out for leafhoppers, caterpillars, powdery mildew, or mint rust.
• Mint is deer and rabbit resistant and toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fresh or dried leaves of Mints repel mice and rats.
• Mint may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by division in spring and fall.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Companion Planting

Mint is an excellent companion plant.

• Mint repels Pests: Mint has a strong scent that can deter pests such as aphids, black flies, cabbage moths, cabbageworms, cabbage maggots, flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, and ants.
• Mint improves Growth: Mint is said to enhance the growth of other plants by improving soil quality and releasing beneficial compounds into the soil.
• Mint attracts Beneficial Insects: Mint flowers are a source of nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help pollinate nearby plants or prey on garden pests.

Do not plant Mint in the ground near your vegetables to prevent it from taking over your vegetable crops. Use Mint foliage as mulch or keep it in pots.

Find here the list of best and worst companion plants for Mints

Harvesting and Storing Mint

Mint is best harvested just before the plant starts to flower when the essential oils and flavor are at their peak. Here are some tips for harvesting mint:

• Pruning: Harvest only the young leaves, as they are more flavorful than the mature ones. Cut the stem tips of the plant back to about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) from the ground using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• Timing: Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
• Frequency: Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy and productive.
• Drying: To dry mint, tie the stems together in bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, crumble them into a jar and store them in a cool, dark place.
• Freezing: Another option is to freeze mint leaves by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer.