Mojito Mint Plant
Uses: Culinary/Medicinal/Beverage
Perennial (hardy in zones 5-9)Cuba’s famed mojito cocktail, once a daily favourite of Ernest Hemingway, has enjoyed a meteoric resurgence in popularity ever since James Bond drank one in the movie Die Another Day. The mojito, made with rum, sugar, lime juice and Cuba’s unique mojito mint, is now an essential staple of cocktail lounges everywhere. While recipes call for any available variety of spearmint, the real mojito can only be made with the true mojito mint. This mint was impossible to get in North America but thanks to Toronto mojito enthusiast Catherine Nasmith who visited Cuba in 2006 we now have the authentic plant from Cuba. It is clearly different from most other mints -- its scent and flavour are agreeably mild and warm, not pungent nor overly sweet like other mints. In a perhaps typically Cuban understated way its warm embrace lingers until you realize you want more. Like all mints it is easy to grow and will happily provide more than enough fresh sprigs for your mojitos. Salud! For delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic mojito recipes
Planting & Care of Mojito MInt
Growing your own mojito mint (Mentha × villosa) can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy making fresh mojitos at home. Here's a guide to help you with mojito mint planting:
**1. Choose the Right Location:**
- Mojito mint prefers partial to full sunlight. Choose a location where the plant will receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.**2. Get Quality Soil:**
- Mojito mint thrives in moist, fertile soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
- Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil texture and fertility.**3. Planting:**
- Mojito mint can be grown from seeds, but it's easier and more common to start with cuttings or young plants.
- If using cuttings, take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem with several leaves and plant it in the soil, burying at least 2 inches (5 cm) of the stem.**4. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.**5. Fertilizing:**
- Mojito mint generally doesn't require a lot of fertilizer. You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.**6. Pruning:**
- Regularly pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove any flowers that appear, as allowing the plant to flower can reduce the quality of the leaves.**7. Container Gardening:**
- Mojito mint can also be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.
- Container-grown mint may need more frequent watering.**8. Companion Planting:**
- Mojito mint is known for repelling certain pests, so consider planting it near vegetables that are susceptible to pests.**9. Harvesting:**
- Wait until the plant is at least 6 inches (15 cm) tall before harvesting.
- Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
- The best time to harvest is in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.**10. Pests and Diseases:**
- Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Mint is generally hardy, but if you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, treat promptly with appropriate measures.**11. Winter Care:**
- Mojito mint is usually hardy, but in extremely cold climates, it may benefit from mulching around the base in late fall to protect the roots.By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh mojito mint for your beverages and culinary creations.