If you are thinking of growing some amazing herb plants at home, then Chocolate Mint is one for you, one of the most beautiful and best herbs that you can grow at home.
The Chocolate Mint is a part of the peppermint family that mixes extra sweetness with the dark peppermint species. Also, it tastes great with drinks and desserts. This perennial herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family of mints and is known for its square stems and dark green to purplish leaves, which are common to many mint varieties.
This article will provide you with complete information from planting to harvesting and growing and caring for Chocolate Mint.
Understanding Chocolate Mint
Chocolate Mint, also known as Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’ is closely related to the plant Mentha piperata i.e. ordinary peppermint. This plant is sterile and does not produce seeds. As its name, it has a chocolate smell but tastes like citrata mint with an orange citrus flavor.
This plant easily spreads by roots, reaching a height of about two feet. This herb attracts bees and other pollinators with its small pale purple to white blossoms during the summer days. Also, it is usually planted in summer, after the cold winters have passed.
Chocolate Mint Herb: Planting and Caring Tips
As Chocolate Mint Herb is a beautiful and useful herb and is relatively easy to grow plants, you should follow some tips to plant and grow it in the correct way for the healthy growth of the plant:
1. Proper Location & Sunlight
Chocolate Mint Herb loves both full sun to partial shade i.e. least four to six hours of sunlight per day. However, you should also remember that strong sunlight might burn the leaves, and less sunlight can lead to leggy growth.
2. Soil
For this herb, prepare the organic matter-rich, well-draining soil, where a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is perfect. Dry and sandy soil is not very suitable for planting this herb. Make a hole in the ground, and add compost to improve the drainage and fertility.
Plant the cuttings about 12 to 18 inches apart giving them enough space to grow and proper air circulation. After you have planted, water thoroughly to help the proper growth of the roots.
3. Watering
Another thing you should care for the healthy growth of the plant is proper watering your plant. As chocolate mint prefers moist soil, waterlogging or wet soil can lead your plant to root rot. So to prevent this problem, only water your plants when the top soil of your plant feels slightly dry. Watering is more needed during the summer.
4. Fertilizing
You will need to fertilize your plant every four to six weeks during its growing season, use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, on the other hand, avoid overfertilizing your plant. Furthermore, Chocolate Mint requires a bit more fertilizer in spring, than the other time.
5. Pruning
Pruning is another important aspect for the healthier and bushier growth of the plant. To keep the stems in proper size, you need to trim them more often especially before they flower.
When the plants are 4 to 5 inches tall, you need to start cutting the leaves, regular trimming of the plants prevents the plant from spreading too much.
Uses of Chocolate Mint Herb Plant
Chocolate Mint Herb has many uses and advantages, here we have some of the common uses,
Used in Culinary/Cooking:
- You can use this herb in making tea, using its dry or fresh leaves.
- Add a chocolate mint herb to give a fresh, minty flavor, with chocolate to desserts like ice cream, cakes, or cookies.
- For a refreshing flavor, chocolate mint herb can be added to mocktails, cocktails, and other drinks.
Herbal Uses
- Helps in indigestion, bloating, and other digestion system.
- The smell of chocolate mint herb is relaxing, which helps in reducing stress.
- Moreover, this herb is beneficial for those who are dealing with bad breath, the natural mint flavor of this herb makes breath fresher, and chew fresh chocolate mint leaves fresh naturally.
What can you make from chocolate mint herb? Desserts and Recipe
Chocolate Mint Tea
- Take fresh leaves of chocolate mint leaves, and put them in a mug or a teapot.
- Cover the leaves with hot water and let it boil for a minute.
- You can add sugar or honey if needed.
- Your refreshing and herbal chocolate mint tea is ready!
Chocolate Mint water flavor
- Take fresh or dry leaves of chocolate mint, and add the leaves to a glass or jar.
- Keep the leaves in refrigeration for a few hours in order to let the flavor absorb properly with water.
- Put the ice cubes and serve cold for a refreshing drink.
Fruit Salad
- To enjoy the chocolate mint fruit salad, chop various fruit salads into small pieces.
- Over the fruit salad, add chopped chocolate mint leaves and mix them.
- For the delicious taste, sprinkle chopped or grated dark chocolate on top.
How to Propagate Chocolate Mint Herb?
- Select a healthy stem from the chocolate mint leaves, using a sharp knife, or scissors cut a 4-6 inch section of stem.
- Plant the halt to the water cutting, and remove the leaves that are above the water’s surface.
- Keep adding water in a couple of days to keep the waterline in place, also change the water to prevent the germs.
- Likewise, it will take three to four weeks for the root to develop.
- Once the root has started developing, plant it in the garden or in potting soil.
Problems of Chocolate Mint Herb
Pests and Fungal Diseases
Pests like spider mites, and whitefly, bugs are one of the common problems appearing in the branches of the plant, to get rid of this problem, you can apply neem oil or a water and gentle soap mixture around the plant. Also, fungal disease causes white, powdery coatings on plants.
Yellowing or Drooping of Leaves
If your mint plant leaves are yellowed and have drooped, it possibly might be due to the plant being in the waterlogged soil, likewise, if your plant is dark brown, and has become soft, it could have fungal root rot.
FAQs
1. What can you use the chocolate mint herb for?
Chocolate mint herbs are useful plants that are beneficial for many purposes they can be used in culinary which improves both savory and sweet recipes, also perfect for giving cakes, icecreams, and other chocolate treats, and can be added to drinks like lemonade, and cocktails. Apart from this, it is the best choice for enhancing the garden look.
2. Why is it called chocolate mint plant?
This plant has a mix of mint flavor with a little chocolate, this place doesn’t really grow chocolate, but its rich flavor makes it taste like chocolate.
3. Can I eat chocolate mint plants?
Yes, you can eat Chocolate Mint which is edible, and often used in various culinary uses like adding its fresh leaves to salads, used in making desserts, drinks, and many more.
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