Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Mint brings a fresh, summery flavour to salads, sauces, summer dishes and drinks. It's easy to grow and, being perennial, comes back every year. There are many varieties to choose from, each with a distinctive flavour. Best grown in pots in a sunny spot, it's a good idea to grow at least a couple of mint varieties in order to add variety and interest to dishes.
Mentha × piperita f. citrata is a hybrid of watermint Mentha aquatica and spearmint Mentha spicata. It has dark green leaves with a minty orange fragrance and flavour. Forma citrata has a citrus fragrance, while 'Chocolate' has a more chocolatey scent.
Whorls of small, lilac flowers appear in summer, which are particularly attractive to pollinators.
Sow seeds of chocolate mint indoors or under glass, from spring to early summer. When all risk of frost has passed, harden the plants off by gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions, and plant them out in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
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Mentha ‘Chocolate’ and wildlife
Mentha ‘Chocolate’ is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
