Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate'

Save

Chocolate mintHerb, PerennialFamily: Lamiaceae

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Bronze

Green

Ad

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Mint brings a fresh, summery flavour to salads, sauces, summer dishes and drinks. It's easy to grow and, being perennial, comes back every year. There are many varieties to choose from, each with a distinctive flavour. Best grown in pots in a sunny spot, it's a good idea to grow at least a couple of mint varieties in order to add variety and interest to dishes.

Mentha × piperita f. citrata is a hybrid of watermint Mentha aquatica and spearmint Mentha spicata. It has dark green leaves with a minty orange fragrance and flavour. Forma citrata has a citrus fragrance, while 'Chocolate' has a more chocolatey scent.

Whorls of small, lilac flowers appear in summer, which are particularly attractive to pollinators.

Sow seeds of chocolate mint indoors or under glass, from spring to early summer. When all risk of frost has passed, harden the plants off by gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions, and plant them out in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Ad

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyesyesyesyesyes**yesPruneyesyesyesHarvestyesyesyesyesyes**yes

Mentha ‘Chocolate’ and wildlife

Mentha ‘Chocolate’ is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths

Butterflies/​Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Mentha ‘Chocolate’ poisonous?

Mentha ‘Chocolate’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People

Loading...

Ad

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...