The bright green leaves of apple mint are uniquely round in shape with slightly toothed edges. Both the leaves and stems of apple mint are covered in fine hairs, hence its nickname wooly mint. It imparts a fruity aroma with nuances of apple, although it has less mint flavor compared to other culinary mint varieties.
Growing Instructions
The plants are shipped bare rooted with courier. Unpack and plant straight away. Plant it in the garden or in a pot with potting mix and some compost and water well over the first few days. Keep pot in the shade for a week or two. Growing conditions are below.
Growing conditions
It grows best in loamy, free draining soils with adequate moisture content. It grows well in full sun as well as partial shade. At KoruKai Herb Farm we have it grown in marginal areas as well as in our herb garden beds and it does well in all areas.
It also does well in clay soils when the area is mulched heavily and some compost is added before planting.
It grows to a height of 40-60 cm and is one of the taller mints. Once planted water well in the first few weeks. Water them throughout dry spells and in the middle of summer. Top up mulch when necessary.
They can be cut a few times per year and in our climate (Banks Peninsula) they grow right through the winter, when other mints like peppermint die back completely.
They tolerate frosts well, but may die back in harsh winters. In the south of the South Island and further inland it is best to cut them back in late autumn and cover with 5cm of mulch. They will regrow from the base in spring.
It is less aggressive in regards to spreading compared to other varieties of mint, but care should be taken when planting as it can quickly take over a garden through its underground rhizomes. Surplus plants are easily removed where they are not wanted.
Harvesting
It is best to cut back the stems 3-5 cm above the soil level a 2-4 times per year and dry the leaves to be used for herbal teas. They will branch out and grow nice and bushy. You can also cut one stem at a time and use the leaves fresh. They make a great addition to salads. Best to cut the whole stem and don't just harvest individual leaves, which will keep them healthier and prevent rust. They do well with regular harvesting and topping up mulch.
Culinary Uses
Add some bruised apple mint leaves with some lemon to a pitcher with iced water and enjoy this refreshing drink in the middle of summer. The leaves make a delicious hot herbal tea any time of the year. Add fresh leaves to a fresh garden salad for its delicate flavour or to make an apple mint dressing. It is also great as a dessert topping or added to cocktails. Add whole or chopped leaves to popsicles, sorbets and ice cubes. Use to make sauces or herb rubs for poultry, lamb and seafood. Roughly chop apple mint and add to chutney, dressings, jelly or brine when pickling.
Growing apple mint is a lot of fun, as you can do so many things with it. Bruised apple mint leaves added to a pitcher of ice water with lemon make the perfect “afternoon in the shade” summer treat. Dried apple mint leaves are a delicious warm tea that is perfect for cooler weather. For drying, harvest the leaves when they are fresh by cutting the stalks just before they bloom. Hang the stalks to dry and store them in airtight containers.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Apple Mint Uses: Information And Tips For Growing Apple Mint Plants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-apple-mint.htmGrowing apple mint is a lot of fun, as you can do so many things with it. Bruised apple mint leaves added to a pitcher of ice water with lemon make the perfect “afternoon in the shade” summer treat. Dried apple mint leaves are a delicious warm tea that is perfect for cooler weather. For drying, harvest the leaves when they are fresh by cutting the stalks just before they bloom. Hang the stalks to dry and store them in airtight containers.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Apple Mint Uses: Information And Tips For Growing Apple Mint Plants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-apple-mint.htmGrowing apple mint is a lot of fun, as you can do so many things with it. Bruised apple mint leaves added to a pitcher of ice water with lemon make the perfect “afternoon in the shade” summer treat. Dried apple mint leaves are a delicious warm tea that is perfect for cooler weather. For drying, harvest the leaves when they are fresh by cutting the stalks just before they bloom. Hang the stalks to dry and store them in airtight containers.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Apple Mint Uses: Information And Tips For Growing Apple Mint Plants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-apple-mint.htm
