Mint has long been used to treat stomach aches and insomnia as well as to flavor jellies, candies, and other treats. This fast-growing plant comes in the familiar flavors of fresh and light peppermint and of course the rich and deep spearmint. But, did you know that there are many other varieties of mint out there? Each one has its own distinct flavor and some of them are quite lovely. Here are 9 unusual mints to plant this year!
10) Apple Mint
Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is hardy to USDA zones 5-9 and has lighter green leaves when compared to other types of mint.
As the name implies this variety has a fruity scent and flavor that translates into teas and other uses.
9) Chocolate Mint
Chocolate mint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid between peppermint and watermint that has resulted in some interesting traits.
This is such a great variety of mint! The leaves have some dark brown coloration that indicates what it’s all about: chocolate. Some folks are skeptical that this type really can taste or smell like chocolate, but somehow it does. However, some have also likened the flavor to citrus as well.
8) Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is actually a mint plant, despite its oily smell and odd name. Hardy in zones 5-9, this very fragrant plant isn’t good for ingesting. But, it has such a strong antiseptic odor that it has been used for thousands of years as a pest control aid. Ancient Romans smeared the leaves on their limbs to protect against fleas and settlers to the Americas made posies of pennyroyal and mint to hang in doorways and scrub down tables with to keep flies and mosquitos away during mealtimes.
7) Watermint
Watermint (Mentha aquatica) can grow in zones 3-10 and is great for growing in shallow water. It’s also known as marsh mint for this reason. Watermint makes a good plant for the edges of ponds or fountains. It has a smell much like peppermint, but more pungent.
5) Wild Mint
Wild mint (Mentha canadensis) is also sometimes called corn mint or field mint due to its wild nature being a native species to the US. It grows in many locations naturally. It is hardy to zones 4-10 and the stalks have a purple tinge to them. Lilac-color flowers adorn the tops of these plants and they can grow to 18 inches or taller. Use it in teas and jellies and to cook with, though some folks feel this mint is “spicier” or stronger than other mints.
4) Curly Mint
Curly mint is a variant of spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) which boasts curly leaves that grow crowded together for a delightful appearance. Use it as you would other mints in cooking and tea making. This whopper can grow up to 3 feet tall and grows in zones 5-9.
3) Corsican Mint
Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) grows in zones 6-9. It spreads low and dense, more like thyme than many of its mint cousins. For this reason it’s a good one to plant between bricks, stepping stones, or pathways in your garden. Just imagine the fragrance each time you take a step in a garden planted this way!
2) Mojito Mint
This mint is also call Cuban mint (Mentha x villosa) and is a hybrid between peppermint and one of several other varieties of mint. It is commonly used to flavor the famous Cuban cocktail mojito and grows in zones 5-9. It has a taste that is both fruity and minty, somewhat milder than some of its cousins.
1) Pineapple Mint
Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’) is hardy to zones 5-9. It has variegation of white on the leaves and a slight pineapple scent and flavor. This one is both decorative and flavorful, making it a wonderful choice for the garden.
Mint is a great filler for edges for the garden as it can grow quickly and spread out. You can plant mint indoors in winter, but it doesn’t enjoy being confined to pots for long periods. Mints prefer being in-ground so they can spread their roots. Plant the seeds or seedlings in the ground after the last frost in early spring (depending on your climate) for the best results. By summertime you will have oodles of fresh mint to flavor teas, freshen the house, or to just look and smell nice in the garden. Bees love it when mint flowers, too, so that’s another bonus for your garden.