Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:01 pm
Strawberry mint belongs to the mint species whose menthol content is particularly low. For this purpose, the plants develop a fruity aroma that gives new flavor nuances to many dishes. If you want to overwinter the plant outdoors, you need to consider some aspects.
Location
Strawberry mint is considered an uncomplicated culinary herb that can be cultivated in pots as well as planted in the garden. The plant’s propensity to spread makes a root barrier necessary in the open ground, otherwise new shoots will grow in many corners of the garden within a short time. Strawberry mint develops its full flavor in sunny locations, if the soil ensures moist conditions. If the soil tends to dry out, the culinary herb is better off in a semi-shaded location.
Harvest
The aroma of the leaves is particularly intense if you process them immediately after harvesting. Cut off as many leaves as you can use. During the summer months, you can stock up. At this time, the leaves contain large amounts of essential oils, which are largely preserved when whole leaves are dried. Do not crush them, otherwise the essential oils will be lost.
Preparation for the winter
After flowering in August, the plant can be cut back to 15 centimeters. Fertilizing will stimulate the plant to produce new shoots, so you can have a final harvest of fresh leaves in the fall.
When the leaves turn brown in the fall, it is the right time for radical pruning. Wait until the plant is fully retracted. Cut back the shoots close to the ground and pluck the leaves from the branches. They can be dried and used as a spice.
Winter protection
Strawberry mint is considered hardy and will survive the cold season without problems if temperatures do not drop below -4 °C. Protection from the cold is recommended if the plant is exposed to lower temperatures for a long time. After cutting off the dead shoots, you can lay a layer of brushwood or fir branches on the bed. Under the airy insulation, the plants are protected from sub-zero temperatures. In April, the protection is removed so that the plant can sprout again.