Species lemon mint
spike-shaped cluster of small, white flowers with violet sepals, and long, white stamens

lemon mint

Mentha piperita f. citrata

Lemon mint is a plant species native to Europe and Asia and is commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes. It grows to be up to two feet tall and has bright green leaves with a scent of citrus, hence the name. The leaves and stems of the plant have long been used in teas and culinary dishes for their complex lemony flavor. Lemon mint also has several medicinal uses including aiding digestion and easing pain from sore muscles. This species is easy to grow in most soil types and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Lemon mint adds a zesty flavor to any culinary dish or tea blend, making it a must-have in the herb garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Lavender Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Lemon mint should be watered every 4 to 5 days in the summer and every 1 to 2 weeks in the winter. Water the plant until it is slightly moist and then let the soil dry before watering again. To prevent root rot, do not allow the soil to become overly saturated with water. During the summer, check the plant every other day in very hot or dry weather, adjusting your watering schedule accordingly. As a general rule, it is better to water the plant deeply and less frequently than to give it light, frequent waterings.

sunlight

Lemon mint prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives best in warm temperatures. For optimal growth they should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can be extended up to 12 hours of light, although too much light can be detrimental to the plant. During the summer months, lemon mint can be exposed to up to 14 hours of light to promote lush foliage and abundant blooming. In the winter months when days are shorter, the least amount of light needed can drop to 4 hours of direct sunlight.

pruning

Lemon mint (Mentha piperita f. citrata) should be pruned in early spring, when the new growth is just appearing. Prune back lemon mint by about 1-third each time. This will promote a bushier, fuller plant with foliage that fills out to the ground. Deadheading spent blossoms and trimming off leggy branches will also encourage the plant to become more compact. Avoid over-pruning, as it can cause the plant to become weak and congested. Cutback the plant to just above the previous year's growth. This will produce healthier, more productive plants.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Lemon mint typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Lemon mint typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Hardiness Map