Description
Mentha spicata var. crispa is a variety of Spearmint that is commonly known as curly mint or Moroccan mint. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 60cm tall, and it has curly or crinkled leaves with a bright green color and a refreshing minty aroma. The plant produces small, lilac-colored flowers in late summer. It is widely used in culinary applications, such as in salads, teas, and sauces. It is a low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Moroccan Mint
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’ can grow to a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.3m.
- Did You Know That:The plant is commonly used to make Moroccan mint tea, which is a popular beverage in Morocco and throughout North Africa?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’ thrives in wet or damp soil with decent drainage or in poorly draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’ should be cut back after it finishes flowering will promote growth the following year by redirecting energy from seed production and foliage maintenance to root growth.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’ can have problems with leafhoppers and caterpillars, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as powdery mildews and rust. It is also known to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is toxic to cats and dogs.