Chocolate Mint
Mentha × piperita 'Chocolate'
herbA rich, intensely chocolate-and-orange-scented peppermint. The aroma is genuinely dessert-like, strongly evocative of chocolate-covered mint candies. Flavor in teas and desserts is peppermint with a background of chocolate and orange notes. One of the most popular specialty mints for herb gardens and container growing.
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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 (contains 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 3 – 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. Chocolate mint does not grow reliably true from seed. Plant in rich, moist soil in partial shade to full sun. Like all mints, it spreads aggressively via underground runners. Contain in pots or use a root barrier. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor and fragrance. Water consistently as mints do not tolerate drought.
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
- Tomato: Aromatic deterrence of aphids near tomato plants
- Roses: Mint planted at rose bases said to deter aphids and improve fragrance
- Peas: Compatible cool-season companion with similar moisture needs
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Overhead misting regularly; neem oil every 7 days in hot dry weather
Water blast; insecticidal soap; mints rarely suffer severe aphid infestations
Remove and dispose of affected stems; do not compost; replant in new location
Strict rotation; remove infected plants; start new stock from clean cuttings
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest stems 4 to 6 inches long from branch tips. Flavor and chocolate-orange aroma are strongest just before flowering. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Use fresh in iced tea, hot chocolate, ice cream, and desserts. Dry at low temperature. Dried chocolate mint retains its distinctive aroma well for 6 to 12 months.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Contains menthol, menthone, and trace chocolate-orange aromatics from acetate esters. Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. Rosmarinic acid provides anti-inflammatory properties. Used traditionally for digestive support and as a cooling herb in summer drinks.
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.