Apple Mint
Mentha suaveolens
herbA soft, fuzzy mint with rounded leaves and a gentle apple-mint fragrance much milder than peppermint or spearmint. One of the most approachable mints for culinary use. Excellent in cold drinks, fruit salads, and Middle Eastern cooking (the mint of authentic tabbouleh). More ornamental than culinary mints because of its woolly, silvery-green leaves.
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Sun
partial shade
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~60 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
18-24 in (contain with barrier)
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Planting Depth
Crown at soil level
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 5 – 11
When to Fertilize
Light balanced fertilizer in early spring; one mid-season application
Fertilizer
Balanced granular or compost top-dressing
🌱 Growing Guide
Purchase plants or propagate from cuttings. Grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, rich soil. Like all mints, spreads via underground runners — best contained in pots or with a root barrier. Apple mint is more heat-tolerant than peppermint and grows vigorously through summer. Divide every 2 to 3 years. An excellent container herb with attractive ornamental appeal.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jun 28
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Cabbage — Mint scent deters cabbage moth and aphids
- Tomato — Aromatic protection from common pests
- Lettuce — Cool-season companion with compatible moisture needs
- Peas — Similar moisture and partial-shade tolerance
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Mist foliage regularly; neem oil spray in hot dry weather
Water blast; insecticidal soap; rarely a serious problem on established mints
Remove affected stems; replace with clean starts if severe
Ensure drainage; never let containers sit in standing water
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest young stem tips 4 to 6 inches long throughout the growing season. Use fresh for beverages, salads, and garnish. Apple mint dries well and retains its soft, fruity fragrance. The fuzzy leaves are best used fresh when a smooth texture is desired — strain from beverages and teas before serving. Freeze fresh leaves in ice cube trays for year-round use.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Contains menthol at lower concentrations than peppermint, plus apple-mint-specific volatile esters. Good source of vitamin A and manganese. Rosmarinic acid provides anti-inflammatory properties. Gentler on the digestive system than higher-menthol mints, making it suitable for children and those sensitive to strong mint flavor.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.