Growing Chocolate Mint How To Grow And Harvest Chocolate Mint

How do you grow and harvest chocolate mint?
How do you harvest chocolate mint leaves?
Does mint plants come back every year?
Why is my chocolate mint plant dying?
Can you dry chocolate mint leaves?
How do you take care of a chocolate mint plant?
Should I wash mint before drying?
Is chocolate mint plant toxic to cats?

How do you grow and harvest chocolate mint?

Harvesting Chocolate Mint

You can begin harvesting leaves when the plants are at least 4 to 5 inches tall. Don't take more than one-third of the leaves at any one harvest, but make sure to harvest at least three or four times during the growing season. The plant will respond to harvesting by becoming bushier.

How do you harvest chocolate mint leaves?

Just snip off a stem and set the cutting in a pot of soil to regrow. (These regrown chocolate mint plans make sweet gifts.) As a perennial plant, your chocolate mint will come back next year. The leaves will die during the winter, but the plant will be back.

Does mint plants come back every year?

Lift and replant your mint every 3 to 4 years to keep your patch's flavor and scent strong. Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring.

Why is my chocolate mint plant dying?

If you plant mint in a pot that is too small, it will grow slowly. Also, the lack of adequate space for its roots and water can result in your mint plant dying. The best soil PH for growing mint is 6.0 to 7.5. ... If you are planting indoors, place the plant at a place where it will get full, all-day sunlight.

Can you dry chocolate mint leaves?

To dry your chocolate mint, clean it as needed after harvesting. Spread the leaves into a single layer on cookie sheets. Bake in a pre-heated 170*F oven for 2-3 hours. Remove from oven, allow to cool completely.

How do you take care of a chocolate mint plant?

Learning how to care for chocolate mint is simple too. Water and fertilize occasionally and grow in full sun for maximum flavor. Harvest throughout the growing season, unless you want the plant to display its attractive pink flowers in late spring to midsummer. If so, clip after flowering.

Should I wash mint before drying?

Wash the mint thoroughly and carefully in cold water without removing the stems. Dry the mint well using paper towels or other absorbent towels. Carefully remove the leaves from the stems when the mint is dry. ... Store the dried mint in an airtight glass, plastic, metal, or ceramic container away from light and heat.

Is chocolate mint plant toxic to cats?

The mint plants i.e., its stems, flowers or leaves are not safe for cats since they contain essential oils that are toxic to cats, dogs, and even horses. Therefore, cats should not eat mint leaves or have their essential oil, including chocolate mint.