Looking to add some fresh flavor to your backyard? These popular mint varieties are super easy to grow at home. Check out just how diverse the world of mint can be and find the perfect match for your garden!
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++Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)
As the name suggests, Water Mint absolutely loves getting its feet wet. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to add some lush greenery to the edges of a garden pond or a soggy corner of your yard. You’ll often find it growing wild in marshes or wetlands. It typically reaches about a foot and a half tall and puts on a show with pretty purple blossoms starting in July.
++Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis)
If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, Wild Mint (also known as Corn Mint) is a fantastic option. It’s incredibly hardy and grows wild across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on where you plant it, it can stay low to the ground or grow up to a foot tall. To really see it thrive, give it nutrient-rich soil and plenty of moisture. During the summer, you’ll be rewarded with delicate pink or light purple flowers.
++Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)
Apple Mint is a real treat for the senses, boasting a subtle fruity scent that actually reminds you of fresh apples. Because the flavor is so mild and sweet, it’s a top-tier choice for herbal teas. You can recognize this one by its rounded, fuzzy leaves. It’s a vigorous grower that can reach up to three feet tall if it likes its spot, so make sure to keep the soil nice and moist!
++Lemon Mint (Mentha gentilis var. citrata)
If you love citrus, this is the mint for you. The leaves release a bright, lemony fragrance that adds a refreshing twist to hot teas, homemade lemonades, or even fancy desserts. The best part? It’s a hardy perennial, meaning it’ll come back year after year with very little effort on your part. It’s basically the “set it and forget it” herb of the garden.
++Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Morocco’)
Hailing from North Africa, Moroccan Mint is the gold standard for that famous, sugary-sweet Maghrebi mint tea. It’s beloved in hot climates for its incredible cooling effect. In the garden, it produces small, lovely lilac flowers. Just keep an eye on the watering can—this variety likes to stay well-hydrated to keep those flavorful leaves coming.
++Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Spearmint is probably the most common variety you’ll run into. It has that classic, bold aroma used in everything from cocktails and gum to toothpaste. Be warned: it’s a fast mover! In the right spot, it will spread quickly via underground runners and can grow over four feet tall. It’s a great choice if you want a lot of mint in a short amount of time.
++Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the mint family. It’s a staple in backyard gardens and balcony pots alike. Known for its sharp, spicy, and high-menthol punch, Peppermint is incredibly easy to care for. It’s frost-resistant and returns faithfully every spring, which is why it remains the go-to choice for gardeners everywhere.
++Mojito Mint (Mentha nemorosa)
Planning a summer party? You’ll want some Mojito Mint on hand. It’s the authentic variety used in the famous Cuban cocktail, offering a flavor that is aromatic but not overpowering. It’s also great for other refreshing drinks like a “Hugo” spritz. Plus, its flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, so you’re helping out your local pollinators while you prep for happy hour!