Variegated Mint - Mentha suaveolens Variegata

The Variegated Mint - Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata' is a variety of green mint with round variegated leaves of green and white that emit a spicy fragrance. It can be grown in the ground or in a pot, useful for its ornamental aspect and for cooking. This herbaceous, hardy perennial plant will reach a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in). Plant in spring or autumn and harvest from March to October.

Mint is an aromatic bushy plant with highly fragrant foliage. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like lemon balm. Ideally, plant it in a semi-shaded location, although Mint can grow almost anywhere. It is a perennial plant that will be grown for two or three years, beyond that it tends to become less productive. Carefully choose the location where you want to plant it because mint spreads very quickly thanks to its trailing roots. You can also grow it in a pot, which allows you to control its spread. It is ideal for planting in the vegetable garden as mint is known to repel unwanted insects from the garden, such as aphids and ants, as well as certain rodents. As for harvesting the leaves, it can be done throughout the year, mainly from March to October.

There are many varieties of mint, the most well-known being green mint, peppermint, pennyroyal mint, and lemon mint. Depending on the varieties, the leaves will offer you a wide range of aromas. In cooking, use them from appetisers to desserts, to flavour salads and raw vegetables, summer grills, yoghurt-based sauces, or fruits. The leaves are also delicious in infusions, tea or hot chocolate.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves as you need them. Choose the largest leaves and cut the whole stem to promote regrowth. Preferably harvest in the morning to fully enjoy the aromatic qualities of the mint. If you want to dry the leaves, pick the stems before flowering.

Storage: Ideally, use freshly cut leaves. If you don't use the fresh leaves, dry on the stems and store the leaves in a tightly closed jar, protected from light.

Gardener's tip: If you want to plant mint in the vegetable garden while limiting its spread, plant it in a pot and bury the pot in the middle of your garden! Choose a large enough pot and regularly divide the clumps, in autumn or spring.