Varieties and cultivation of fragrant mint

Fragrant mint has been known for its healing properties since ancient times. This plant is used both in pharmaceuticals and in cooking, and simply to decorate landscaping and fill the garden with a fragrant aroma.

It is a perennial herb with the following characteristics:

• the stem grows up to 50-60 cm;
• leaves develop in the shape of an egg, have a green color with a light frame and light hairiness;
• flowers are miniature, white, formed into racemose inflorescences, begin to bloom in July, have a very pleasant fragrance;
• fruits are compact brown nuts;
• the root develops in a horizontal position, has thin shoots that are located both underground and above the soil level.

The presented culture can be used to calm the nervous system, to accelerate hair growth, to reduce appetite, as well as to improve brain function. The plant has the ability to reduce the feeling of nausea, relieve spasms, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the body. Despite the many beneficial qualities, it is important to consult a specialist before consuming mint or using it as a healing agent.

The most common plant varieties are as follows.

• Apple. It is a hybrid whose parents can be considered as long-leaved and fragrant varieties. It has round rough leaves with a pronounced aroma, which are used in cooking for preparing desserts and drinks.

• "Variegata". In this case, the leaves with a white border are covered with a weak nap, and the plant blooms with pale pink flowers. Pineapple notes are felt in the taste and smell of this species.

• "Pinedo". This is a hybrid with a pleasant aroma, the bushes of which reach a height of 40 cm. This variety is used for making tea and desserts. Can be used as an ornamental crop in the garden.

• "Help". The bush up to 50 cm high has a delicate apple aroma. The variety is specially open for culinary use. It has round gray leaves with a light down. It is also used as a seasoning and as an ornamental plant.

Before sowing, it is important to disinfect the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate, rinse in clean water and dry. Sowing is carried out in a container, a distance of 10-15 cm should be maintained between the seeds. The planting site is moistened, the container is covered with a film and removed to a warm place. When shoots appear, the film can be removed, and the seedlings should be planted on the site when 3-4 pairs of leaves appear or when its height reaches 4-6 cm.

Bushes need to be watered every day, especially if a drought has come. In cloudy weather, you can skip this procedure. For irrigation, settled warm water is used. Also, care consists in regular loosening and weeding, but carry out this manipulation very carefully so as not to damage the fragile superficial root system.