Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'
herbPineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens Variegata) is the variegated cream-and-green apple mint with a sweet pineapple-fruit aroma instead of the usual mint sharpness. The fuzzy round leaves are striking in the garden and pleasant to brush against, and the mild fruity flavor is perfect for fruit salads, dessert garnishes, and herbal teas where you want mint without menthol bite.
Sun
partial shade
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~60 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
12-18 in apart in containers
Planting Depth
Same depth as nursery container
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 5 – 11
When to Fertilize
Light feed monthly during growing season
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 or fish emulsion
Plant in full sun to partial shade on moist humus-rich soil. Hardy in zones 5 to 9 as a vigorous spreading perennial, and grown as a container herb in warmer regions. Best in containers to control the spreading runners. The variegated form is slightly less vigorous than plain apple mint but still aggressive. Keep consistently moist. Pinch flowers to maintain leaf production. The cream-and-green foliage is also decorative in herb gardens and patio pots.
Direct sow
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jun 28
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Site for airflow; remove infected leaves
Mist foliage in dry weather
Blast with water
Spreading runners
Container only; never plant directly in the garden
Harvest leaves any time the plant is growing. The pineapple-fruit aroma is mild and best enjoyed fresh; dried leaves lose much of the fruity character. Use fresh in fruit salads, summer drinks, melon salads, and herbal teas. The variegated leaves make beautiful garnishes for desserts and cocktails. Cut whole sprigs for vase use or as a fragrant table arrangement.
Culinary and pollinator value: Pineapple Mint flowers in late summer attract bees and beneficial insects to the herb garden. The sweet, fruity essential oils, low in the sharp menthol of true mints, make a uniquely pleasant herbal tea, traditionally used as a mild stomach soother and breath freshener.
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.