Grow a garden filled with the aromatic Peppermint herb, from freshly harvested Mentha piperita herb seeds. Peppermint is an ancient heirloom that dates back to as early as 1500 B.C. The herb is thought to have originated from North Africa and the Mediterranean, introduced as a natural hybrid cross, between both spearmint and water mint. Its strong scented leaves are crushed and used to flavor chewing gum, breath mints and teas. They are also used in all sorts of shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes and skincare products as well. The plants grow to a mature height of roughly 2 feet tall, displaying dozens of 1 to 2 inch, shiny, bumpy leaves. The stems are red colored and smooth, while its blooms are a light pink to purple. Peppermint is categorized as a perennial flowering herb. Perennials will establish a deep root system in their initial year of growth. They then use this root system to return the following Spring season, even after all plant life has wilted on the surface. Mints, such as Peppermint, are known to be rather invasive at times, spreading through underground roots and runners. This leads most herb gardeners to placing it in pots and containers to otherwise contain its growth. The seeds can drop to the bare ground beneath, often times establishing new plant life around its already established parents. These fragrant plants are known to attract a few beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees & honeybees. Peppermint is also known to deter some pesky insects as well, such as the white cabbage butterfly, mosquito's and fleas. Simply pick a leaf, crush it up and rub it on your skin for a natural mosquito repellant. The oils of Peppermint plants are often times used in invigorating remedies, to promote energy and alertness as well. Quick Facts Mentha piperita Type: Herb Season: Perennial Heirloom: Yes & No (More-so a natural hybrid) Color: Purple Height: 24" Tall Width: 24" to 48" Spread Harvest: 60 to 70 Days Uses: Culinary / Medicinal Environment: Full Sunlight / Partial Shade Sowing The Seed Peppermint seeds are pretty tiny, so they are best established indoors, in a controlled environment. Start in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Scatter the tiny seeds directly to the surface of the soil, not covering them with any topsoil, since the will require light to germinate properly. Transplant your Peppermint herbs into larger pots or containers once the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. If direct sowing outdoors, be aware that Peppermint can spread through underground runners, so sowing in pots, or a contained area is best. Growing Conditions Peppermint herbs are fairly adaptive when it comes to lighting. They can thrive in areas of full sun or partial shade and require temperatures of at least 70F to flourish. The soil can be rich in organic matter, or poor and sandy, just make sure that it is well drained. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily with a light mist setting or spray bottle, to avoid the disruption and/or washing away of your Peppermint seeds. Germination & Growth Peppermint can be more of a difficult herb to establish from seed, but they typically take anywhere between 7 and 28 days to germinate successfully. The plants grow vigorously, to a mature height of about 2 feet tall, and again should be placed in containers or in a controlled area to prevent it from spreading into other areas of the garden. The purple flowers will bloom several weeks after the plants are established, attracting many bumblebees & honeybees as well. Use these herbs to ward off pesky insects, such as fleas and mosquitos.