Pineapple Mint
- botanical name: Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’
- perennial zones 4-8
- height 12-18″
- spacing 12-18″ apart
- full sun tolerant, partial shade
- dry-moist soil
- flower color white
- uses in garden: as a border, great in containers, drought tolerant, edging, fragrant, ground cover
- use in fruit salads,with lamb, and in teas
- attracts bees and butterflies
- deer, insect, and mouse resistant
*Please note: We accept plant orders at any time of the year and if you prefer to place an order outside our regular shipping months of April-May, ordering is still easy. “Why we only ship in April and May”
Due to the nature of shipping live plants, when you place an order, we will simply hold your order and ship it at the proper time for your zone, when weather permits in April 2013. Seed packets are shipped year round through USPS.
For more information see our “Ordering and Shipping Policy.”
Pineapple Mint, true to its name, has a fresh, fruity aroma that lends it well to jellies, fruit salads, and desserts. The leaves have a furrier texture than regular mint and their green and creamy white variegation looks very pretty in the garden. Pineapple Mint is especially nice in mixed pots. Find great mint recipes here!
Mints attract a number of good pollinators to the garden. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the mint when it flowers. Fortunately, Pineapple Mint does not overwhelm a garden quite as much as other types of mint. It is best to cut it back frequently nonetheless, but it’s all right to plant it near other plants, especially since its lovely leaves will contrast with the different textures in the landscape.
Mint will thrive in a partly shaded area with plenty of moisture. If you have a damp spot in your garden area, consider planting mint as a groundcover as it likes a moist soil. In the fall, you can cut the plants just above ground level. Be sure to mulch over the top if winters are harsh in your area.
Having a hard time deciding which variety is right for you? View a summary of all the varieties together.
Sowing Instructions:
Mint seeds don’t always produce the exact variety, so the recommended planting method is by root division from an existing plant stock, suckers, or cuttings. Cuttings will root easily in a moist potting medium, or even in water. If you are dividing an existing plant it is best done in the fall.
Mint is best when used fresh. Dried mint, when stored in airtight containers, will retain its flavor and scent. To harvest, gather bunches and hang on drying racks or spread on screens until completely dry.
