Peruvian Black Mint

SKU: HR1190
Also known as Huacatay, this Andean native is more closely related to the marigold than to mint. The leaves will be familiar to anyone who has grown marigolds, but the Latin species name refers to its sparse and diminutive flowers. Yet the plants can reach 2m (6') tall, so they are a striking addition to the herb garden. Read More

Exposure Full-sun to partial shade

Season Cool season

Average Seeds Per Gram 4161 ?

Peruvian Black Mint has a rating of 4.5 stars based on 13 reviews.
Click here for more options
Notify When Available
*Please note, this product cannot be shipped to the USA.
See our FAQs for more info.
Shipping & Returns

West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.

Seeds of Growth

For every order online, we donate a pack of seeds to gardens and communities worldwide through our Seeds of Growth program, supporting sustainable growth and local food systems.

Similar to Peruvian Black Mint Shop All
Attracts Pollinators

Mint

Spearmint

From $4.69

- +

Mint

Peruvian Black Mint

From $4.99

- +
On Sale
Good for Containers Attracts Pollinators

Peppermint

Peppermint

On Sale from $2.09 $3.49

- +
Attracts Pollinators

Mint

Spearmint

From $4.69

- +

Mint

Peruvian Black Mint

From $4.99

- +
Huacatay Peruvian Black Mint Seeds

Product Details

Tagetes minuta. Also known as Huacatay, this Andean native is more closely related to the marigold than to mint. But its complex herbal aroma immediately reminds one of mint. Notes of cilantro, licorice, and citrus can also be detected. It is said to make an excellent alternative for those who dislike the flavour of cilantro. The leaves will be familiar to anyone who has grown marigolds, but the Latin species name refers to its sparse and diminutive flowers. Yet the plants can reach 2m (6') tall, so they are a striking addition to the herb garden. The roots of Peruvian Black Mint are known to kill many perennial weeds, including Ground Elder, Couch Grass, and Field Bind Weed. This herb is a staple ingredient in a number of Peruvian dishes.

Annual.

Quick Facts:

    • Annual
    • Can reach 2m (6')
    • Complex herbal scent
    • Ancient Andean ingredient

NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE

We'll notify you when this product is back in stock.

Peruvian Black Mint

We don't share your information with others.

Your notification has been registered.  Click to close!

All About Peruvian Black Mint

Latin

Latin
Mentha sp.
Family: Lamiaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Season: Cool season
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: Hardy to Zone 4

Timing

Timing
Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.

Starting

Starting
Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Growing

Growing
Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.

Harvest

Harvest
Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.

Companion Planting

Companion Planting
Mint attracts earthworms, hoverflies and predatory wasps, and repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Mint can spread aggressively, so it may be better to use cut mint as a mulch around Brassicas, or to restrain it in containers around the vegetable garden. Avoid planting near parsley.

More on Companion Planting.

How to Grow Mint

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.

Step 2

Starting

Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.

Step 4

Harvest

Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.

Tips

Companion Planting

Mint attracts earthworms, hoverflies and predatory wasps, and repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Mint can spread aggressively, so it may be better to use cut mint as a mulch around Brassicas, or to restrain it in containers around the vegetable garden. Avoid planting near parsley.

Customer Reviews & Questions