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How to Grow Mojito Mint
How to Grow Mojito Mint. The mint variety used to make the classic Cuban mojito cocktail is known as Mentha x villosa from Cuba. If this is not available, spearmint (Mentha spicata) is an acceptable alternative. Mojito mint has no specific growing requirements and can be treated like any other mint. Mint is a straightforward herb to grow and can...
The mint variety used to make the classic Cuban mojito cocktail is known as Mentha x villosa from Cuba. If this is not available, spearmint (Mentha spicata) is an acceptable alternative. Mojito mint has no specific growing requirements and can be treated like any other mint. Mint is a straightforward herb to grow and can become invasive in the garden. It grows well as a container plant.
Things You'll Need
5-gallon pots
Liquid fertilizer
Grow mojito mint from potted plants or transplants that have some underground stem with roots. These can be harvested by digging them up or by pulling gently on stems until the rooted part comes out of the ground. Plant with the roots 1 inch deep in rich, well-drained soil. Choose a lightly shaded spot that receives some direct sunshine.
Plant mojito mint in 5-gallon pots at least 18 inches deep buried in the garden. Leave 2 inches of rim protruding to prevent the mint plants from spreading via surface runners. Alternatively, grow mojito mint in pots or containers to prevent it from invading the garden. Grow potted mint in standard potting compost.
Water your mojito mint thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil dries out; do not let the leaves wilt. Aim to moisten the soil down to a depth of 6 inches. Water in the morning so that the leaves dry out before nightfall and are not attacked by fungus.
Fertilize your mojito mint plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer only if they grow slowly during the summer months as too much food creates large but tasteless leaves.
Harvest your mojito mint once its stems are 12 inches high. Cut them off about an inch above soil level. Continual harvesting encourages fresh growth and stronger plants. Pinch out any flower heads that appear to stimulate more leaf and stem growth.
Cut your mojito mint back to ground level during the late fall. In frost-prone areas, cover with at least 3 inches of organic mulch to protect the underground roots from frost.
Tips & Warnings
Grow mojito mint from seeds acquired from a seed dealer or store as seeds from the garden rarely grow true to type. Sow the seeds one-fourth inch deep in rich, well-drained soil once the last frosts have passed.
Once mojito mint has become established in a garden bed, it is very difficult to eradicate and can overwhelm other herbs and plants.
