Mint ...which kind is best

[henless]

I picked up several different kinds and planted them today. Chocolate, spearmint, sweet mint and bee balm. The bee balm is not as strong smelling as the other, but I liked it. No one had Peppermint, unless that is what the sweet mint is?

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I picked up several different kinds and planted them today. Chocolate, spearmint, sweet mint and bee balm. The bee balm is not as strong smelling as the other, but I liked it. No one had Peppermint, unless that is what the sweet mint is?

Bee Balm, while a member of the mint family and can be used for tea as well as medicinally, is more known for its flower than its scent. Mine is usually blooming end of June, beginning of July and the flowers remind me of "bombs bursting in air". It's also called Monarda and Bergamot and grows taller than most mints. It likes a bit more sun than most mints, too.

"Sweet Mint" is a new one for me as I've not heard of a cultivar with that name. Not sure what it is but would love to know. Does it smell like peppermint? Maybe it's a hybrid of some sort.

 

[henless]

"Sweet Mint" is a new one for me as I've not heard of a cultivar with that name. Not sure what it is but would love to know. Does it smell like peppermint? Maybe it's a hybrid of some sort.

I'll check and see tomorrow when I go out to the coop. I noticed it at Lowe's and 2 of our Walmarts.

 

[henless]

The Sweet Mint I planted smells a lot like the Spearmint, but it does have more of a "sweet" smell. It doesn't smell like Peppermint.

 

[ComerSmitley]

I hope you love your mint(s)! They do tend to be very hardy, so I'm sure they'll love their new home.

 

[NotoriousRIE]

I have spearmint, lemon balm, and bee balm. The lemon balm keeps pests away perfectly. I crush a few leaves and rub them on my exposed skin or toss a twig into the fire pit. They make a pretty tasty tea as well.