Facts about Mentha × piperita
Taste:
Fresh, aromatic, minty
Germination:
7 - 14 days (cutting or propagation preferred)
Growth to harvest:
3 - 6 weeks for young leaves; continuously harvestable
Nitrogen requirement:
medium to high
pH range:
6.0 - 7.5 compatible plants
EC range:
1.0 - 2.0 compatible fish
Size:
20 - 50 cm (depending on variety and pruning)
Cultivation
Propagation:
Cutting or cuttings preferred, seeds possible but slower
Saturating medium:
Keep well moistened, avoid waterlogging
Growing medium:
- Coconut fiber
- Perlite
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic rockwool
- Perlite
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic rockwool
Light:
Bright, tolerates full sun; LED or daylight optimal
Germination temperature:
18 - 22° C
Watering:
Evenly moist, spray frequently; avoid waterlogging
Preferred system:
Nutritional values per 100g (fresh)
Calories
70 kcal
Carbohydrates
14 g
Proteins
3.8 g
Vitamin A
31 μg
Vitamin C
31 mg
Iron
5.1 mg
Calcium
265 mg
Potassium
569 mg
Magnesium
80 mg
Medicinal Plant
Recognized application: Gastrointestinal complaints, flatulence, mild cramps; peppermint oil externally for headaches or muscle pain.
Active compounds: Essential oil (menthol, menthone), flavonoids, tannins
Dosage: 1-2 tsp dried leaves per cup of tea, 2-3 times daily; use essential oil only in standardized form according to manufacturer's instructions
Special notes: Peppermint is very aromatic, leaves can be easily harvested fresh in hydroponic cultivation.
Sources: Commission E Monograph (BfArM), HMPC Monograph EMA/HMPC/382257/2004, DAB. Note: This information does not replace medical consultation. For complaints, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important cultivation notes
- Avoid waterlogging; roots rot quickly otherwise
- Very vigorous runner growth in hydroponics – consider separation into pots/beds
- Harvest young leaves regularly; pruning promotes bushy growth
- Adjust watering in full sun, otherwise leaves will wilt
Cultivation steps
- Take cuttings or young shoots and let root in water for 12-24 hours
- Plant in moist substrate or hydroponic rockwool
- Bright location, 18-22°C, consistent moisture
- After 2-3 weeks check for solid root system and transfer to NFT/Ebb and Flow if necessary
- Harvest leaves regularly; pruning promotes bushy growth
- Monitor hydroponics continuously: pH 6-7, EC 1-2 mS/cm
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