Mint - Apple Mint | Mentha Suaveolens

Apple-scented, grey-green leaves and dense spikes of pink or white summer flowers, makes this vigorous perennial mint decorative as well as practical. It looks lovely growing in a large terracotta container, and the leaves can be used to make the perfect mint jellies and sauces, as well as adding a delicious flavour to salads or freshly boiled new potatoes. Growing instructions: From late winter to mid-spring, sow shallowly in trays or pots of good quality seed compost and keep keep moist but not overly wet. Germination usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to small pots or cells and then hardened off and planted outside after all risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared bed in late spring and when large enough to handle, thin out to allow 25cm between each plant. Once established, regular picking will help encourage new growth to form. To prevent mint becoming invasive, plant in deep containers and plunge these into the soil with the rim just proud of the surface. Cut back at the end of the season. Sow: February to May Harvest: June to November