Canada mint (Mentha arvensis subsp. borealis), proposed by Akène
🌿 A native mint with multiple benefits 🌿
Canada mint is the only native mint in North America , a robust and aromatic perennial that grows naturally in wet meadows and along stream banks. Its fragrant green foliage, borne on square stems typical of the Lamiaceae family, gives off a fresh and intense aroma. It produces charming small mauve or pink flowers in the leaf axils, attracting a wide variety of pollinators . Versatile in cooking and infusion, it is also known for its medicinal properties .
🌱 Easy to grow , it thrives in gardens, pots or riparian strips , where it helps stabilize soils while providing a food source for local insects. Due to its invasive nature , it is recommended to plant it in buried tubs or containers to limit its spread.
Characteristics of the variety
📅 Flowering : July to August
📏 Height : 60 cm
🌱 Spacing : 45 cm
☀️ Exposure : Sun, partial shade
🌿 Life cycle : Perennial
🌾 Soil type : Loamy, rich
💧 Soil moisture content : Medium to slightly moist
🦌 Deer Resistance : High
📦 Seeds per packet : 50
Sowing and cultivation
📏 Sowing depth : Surface (seeds require light to germinate)
🌡 Germination time : 10 to 20 days
❄️ Cold stratification : 30 days (optional to improve germination)
🔹 Outdoor method :
1️⃣ Sow directly in open ground after the last frosts, in well-prepared soil that is kept moist.
2️⃣ Tamp lightly to ensure good contact with the soil.
3️⃣ Thin out the plants if necessary, as mint tends to spread quickly.
🔹 Indoor method :
🌱 Start seedlings 4 weeks before the last frost date for more mature plants in spring.
💦 Keep soil moist but not soggy until germination.
✂️ Recommended pruning : Cutting back to 6cm from the ground mid-season will encourage a second harvest and denser foliage.
🌿 A robust plant that comes back year after year, perfect for growing in pots or in the ground!
Medicinal and culinary uses
🍵 A mint with many virtues
Canadian mint is used in digestive and refreshing infusion . It has carminative, antispasmodic and stimulant properties, helping to relieve bloating, stomach aches and nervous tension . It is also known to soothe the symptoms of colds and mild headaches .
🥗 A touch of menthol in the kitchen
Its fresh leaves perfume salads, desserts, sauces and drinks , bringing a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor. They are ideal for iced infusions or as a complement to Labrador tea for a unique taste experience.
Ecological roles and utilities
🐝 A pollinator magnet : Attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.
🌱 A natural stabilizer : Helps prevent erosion in riparian strips by fixing soils thanks to its dense root system .
🏡 An easy and useful plant : Can be grown in pots or in the garden , ideal for naturalistic and ecological gardens .
Why choose Canadian mint?
🍃 A native, hardy and versatile mint
🌸 An asset for biodiversity and pollinators
🍵 A fresh and intense taste, ideal for cooking and infusions
🌱 Easy to grow in pots or in open ground
🌿 Add a wild and aromatic touch to your garden with this native mint with multiple benefits!
