Mint

Renee's Garden - This aromatic, flowering landscape herb grows in mounds of soft gray-green leaves covered with a haze of shimmering lavender-blue flowers. Easy to grow catmint makes a beautiful spreading ground cover that blooms for weeks on end. Plant it under roses, in an herb garden, at the front of perennials, or to cover bare corners of the garden with a soft wave of color. Many house cats adore its fragrance as much as its less attractive relative, catnip.  Characteristics:  Landscaping Herb  Easy to grow  Soft grey-green foliage  Lavender-blue flowers  Attracts cats  Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - In spring, 6 weeks before the last expected frost, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover lightly, keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. Feed every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. Once seedlings are well-established, transplant them 2 to 3 inches apart into deeper containers so root systems have room to develop. When 3 to 4 inches tall, acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant in full sun 12 inches apart.  Plant in: May - June for cold winters or March-May for mild winters  Full sun Sow seeds 1 inch apart Plant 1 inch deep 10-15 days to germinate Mature Height: 12-18 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Used by Native Americans for medicinal and culinary purposes, the citrus-flavored leaves of lemon mint can be minced and added to fruit jellies. Its beautiful purple bracts, held on 24-30" tall plants, are aromatic and colorful in the fall and attract bees. Hardy perennial in zones 5-9. Characteristics:  Self-seeding annual plants Plants grow to 24-30 inches tall Purple flower bracts attract bees Leaves are aromatic and citrus-flavored Instructions -  Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Plant out in early spring just before last frost. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. Sow seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost Germination 10-20  days Plant 12-24" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - The dark-green, toothed leaves of this mint species are used for making tea and cocktails and for flavoring candies and desserts, as well as for adding fragrance to lotions and tinctures. Perennial in zones 4-10. Characteristics:  Perennial in zones 4-10 Plants grow to 1-3 feet tall Dark green leaves with toothed edges The fresh, minty flavor Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown outdoors just before last spring frost. Spearmint will spread vigorously; to control its runners plant in a container sunk into ground. Prefers average well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 7-10 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden -  Sweetest of all the mints, true spearmint produces scented bright green, serrated leaves all season. This Italian selection will be a crowd pleaser. Freshly harvested spearmint has a delicious aromatic perfume that accents, but doesn't overpower, many kinds of salads and cooked dishes. Enjoy the leaves whole, chopped, dried, frozen, or preserved in salt, sugar, alcohol, or sweet oil. Fresh spearmint tea is a delight and making your own Mint Juleps is a gardener’s treat! Grow only in containers, because mint spreads very quickly in the ground. (Mentha spicata)  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Great in containers  Summer/Spring/Fall harvest  Frost hardy to zone 4  1200 Seeds   Instructions - In early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, start seeds in a container of moistened soil mix. Sow thinly, but do not cover. Provide a good light source until ready to transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle. Grow only in containers because mint spreads rampantly by underground runners, quickly becoming a nuisance in the garden. When warm spring weather arrives, sow seeds thinly (but do not cover) in containers of pre-moistened new soil mix in full sun. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. When several inches tall, thin or transplant seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart in pots at least 16 inches across and 12 inches deep. Mint is long-lived and gets overcrowded easily. Divide plants into 4 quarters every spring, replanting 1 quarter of the original clump into a pot of fresh soil mix. Replant extra clumps in new pots or give them away. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. Snip sprigs of leaves in the morning when the aromatic oils are strongest.  Plant in March-June  Full Sun  Do not cover  Space seeds very thinly  10-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 1 foot, mounding  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.