The heyday of peppermint begins in June

Content

• The heyday of peppermint begins in June
• Bloom of peppermint
• Peppermint does not become toxic after flowering
• Do not harvest directly during flowering
• Collect seeds from the flowers
• Tips & Tricks

The heyday of peppermint begins in June

In June, spike-like panicles form on the peppermint in the garden, producing small white-rose flowers. Up to the opening of the flowers accumulates in the leaves particularly much ethereal oil. If you want to dry or freeze peppermint, you should reap before.

Bloom of peppermint

Peppermint does not become toxic after flowering

There is a persistent rumor that the leaves of peppermint can not be harvested when the plant is in bloom.

That is not right. Even after the flowering period, which starts in June and can last until August, you may cut the leaves.

However, they are not as aromatic as they were before flowering and taste a bit bitter.

Do not harvest directly during flowering

As long as the peppermint in the garden is in full bloom, you should not harvest the plant. The flowers contain hardly any flavorings and should therefore not be boiled in the tea or preserved.

If you would like to harvest very aromatic mint, cut it only until the flowering time, ie just before the flowers open. When the plant has flowered, the leaves are still well suited for tea or as a spice in the salad.

Collect seeds from the flowers

Although the propagation of peppermint is usually on sprouts or Kopfstecklinge. You can also collect seeds from the flowers.

To do this, wait until the flowers have flowered and dry. If fertilization has taken place, you can carefully pick the dry flowers from the plant and gently shake them out. The seed falls out by itself.

Keep it dry in a paper bag until you want to sow new peppermint.

Tips & Tricks

From fresh peppermint not only the well-known tea can be produced. The plant is also popular in cocktails such as mojito or as a refreshing addition to desserts. In order for the aroma to be effective, you should use peppermint, which was harvested shortly before flowering.

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