Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum) is a versatile and hardy perennial herb known for its refreshing minty scent and numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Its beautiful, delicate flowers attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden, pollinator garden, or landscape.
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Planting: Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly in the garden after the last frost. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and cover the seeds lightly with soil.
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Germination: Keep the soil moist and provide a warm environment (70-75Β°F) for germination, which typically takes 2-4 weeks.
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Transplanting: Once seedlings are established and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them to their final location in the garden, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
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Light: Mountain Mint thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Soil Type: Plant in well-draining soil. While Mountain Mint is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
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Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, Mountain Mint is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
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Fertilization: Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
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Pruning: Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems to promote plant health.
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Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed for culinary and medicinal use. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.