There are many types of plants in the world. Humans benefit from them. Chocolate mint is one of them. It is coated in thin layers of dark chocolate. It is a new level of deliciousness.
I came to know about this chocolate mint in the grocery store. The smell of this plant is so good.
Some people say it smells like chocolate. Some say it’s all in the mind, and others say it has an essence of the rich sweet we so adore.
Cultivation and History of chocolate mint
It is also called Mentha × piperita f. citrate in the Latin language. It is a cultivar of peppermint, and it was selected from a cross between watermint, M. aquatica, and M. spicata, or spearmint. The result was a sterile hybrid, and we like and love the M. piperita plant. It is also known as orange mint. It has a cool peppermint scent. It is warm, salivation-inducing, and sweet-layered which is why breeders and gardeners love this.
It has a dark look if you compare it to the bright leaves of peppermint. It grows deep and the colours of the leaves are purple undersides. It has dark stems and it is hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
These things attract bees and butterflies, as well as humans.
Propagation
It is a sterile hybrid and peppermint. It can not propagated by seed. I came to know what I experienced in the past.
These plants can be propagated by cuttings, runners, layering, or plant division.
How to Grow
It is a fast-growing plant and it is easy to plant in the garden. This plant can not bear excessive heat. If you give some shade in the summer, it can be beneficial.
This plant needs moist soil and it can bear an acidic to alkaline pH. If you use Enrich sandy or chalky soil, it will fertile home for your plants.
You do not need much fertilizer. You can also add a layer of compost around the plant annually.
Chocolate mint needs low maintenance. These plants need water because they are thirsty plants. These plants will wilt if the soil dries out.
You must know about the plant before transplanting it in the garden. When you transplant do not forget to water.
If you have this plant, it is a moisture-loving plant. You will have to keep an eye on the soil moisture level. You will also have to water this regularly.
You should check the soil by pressing your finger into the soil. If you feel your soil is cool and your finger comes up moist, you do not need water but if you do not find any moisture on your finger. It needs water thoroughly.
If we talk about soggy soil, this is not ideal for any plant but this plant can bear short-term wetness. You can grow it in the container. Make sure it has a drainage hole.
You can grow it in any place for example container and garden. Do not forget, it can spread and take over.
This plant grows upright stems in the spring which will produce flowers.
If you want to grow chocolate mint, you can grow it in an herb garden without taking over. You can also try sinking a bottomless bucket into the ground. You can also place your transplant inside to contain it.
Growing Tips
Some of the tips are
· You Should Grow in full sun for best taste and color
· Keep the plant in soil moist
· You can grow the plant in a pot to contain the spread
Where to Buy
As I mentioned, it can not propagated by seed. If you have any gardener friends, you may ask for them. If he does not have, keep an eye on your local nursery.
Managing Pests and Diseases
If we talk about herbivores, they do not care for mint. It does not have many serious pests, you should not worry about.
It is a cultivar of peppermint. Insects and diseases can affect chocolate mint. These things will be similar to peppermint.
Maybe you will have to face deer, rabbits, and rodents. Aphids, thrips, and spider mites. They can sometimes cause minor problems
Quick Reference Growing Guide
It is a perennial herb and it is native to cultivated hybrids. It has 3-9 hardiness (USDA Zone). The seasons of this plant are spring and fall. It needs full sun to partial shade. It has 2 feet high and 2 feet spread. It needs high water and wet soil. Some common pests are Alfalfa loopers, armyworms, cutworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, nematodes, and spider mites. It needs low maintenance. It can grow in clay or loam. It attracts Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Remember to avoid planting potatoes near this plant. It can face some common diseases which are Mint rust, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt.
Harvesting
You will have to harvest leaves, stems, or bundles of stems. It is necessary to harvest when it is four to five inches tall.
Remember this never harvest this plant more than two-thirds of the plant at once. You will like the minty flavor when it blooming and before blooming in the morning you will like it. In the season, you can smell and taste all day.
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
This plant is amazing for recipes. It can increase the flavor of the food, beverage, and so on. If you use it in hot tea or cold tea, it will give you outstanding flavor in every single sip. You will feel fresh.
It is also used in many varieties of hot and cold drinks for example jazz up a hot chocolate with fresh sprigs or dried crushed flakes. It is also used in cocktails as a muddled herb or garnish.
You can also use it in milkshakes and ice cream. It will add an outstanding flavor to dessert item such as brownies, cakes, pudding, and more
If you are fond of eating healthy food, it can increase your taste salads in which include fruit salads
You can also use it in savory dishes for example lamb or fish.
No doubt, this is the best plant for humans to increase taste.
