Mentha x piperita f. citrata is a robust Hardy Perennial (H5). It is perfectly adapted to the UK climate, dying back to a dormant root system in winter and returning with fresh, purple-tinged foliage every spring.

The Container Rule: Like all true mints, Lemon Mint is a vigorous spreader via underground rhizomes. To prevent it from taking over your garden borders, it is strongly recommended to grow this plant in a pot or a dedicated container. This also makes it easy to keep near the kitchen for quick harvesting.

Bee Favourite: If allowed to flower in late summer, Lemon Mint produces attractive lilac flower spikes that are a major nectar source for honeybees and hoverflies when many other garden flowers are beginning to fade.

Mint seeds are exceptionally small; they require light to trigger germination, so they should be surface-sown onto the soil.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to May. Scatter the tiny seeds thinly onto the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost. Do not cover the seeds with soil—a very light dusting of vermiculite is optional. Keep at 18-20°C; germination typically takes 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They thrive in full sun or partial shade. Lemon Mint loves rich, moisture-retentive soil and will grow best if the compost is never allowed to dry out completely. A pot on a semi-shady patio or near a kitchen door is a perfect location.

Ongoing Care:
To maintain a supply of fresh, citrusy leaves, shear the plant back hard after its first main flush of growth in mid-summer. Water regularly, particularly during dry UK summer spells. Every two years, divide the root ball to refresh the plant and prevent it from becoming pot-bound.

Lemon Mint is best grown in its own pot; pair it with these other container-loving varieties from our range to create a useful and fragrant display:

• 🌿 Thai Basil: The Aromatic Duo. Both of these herbs feature a unique citrus and spice undertone. Growing them in separate pots next to each other creates a wonderful "fusion" station for adventurous summer cooking.
• 🌼 Calendula 'Art Shades': The Colour Pop. The vibrant apricot and orange tones of Calendula look spectacular against the dark, glossy leaves of Lemon Mint. Both are edible and brilliant for a productive patio display.

Sow in spring for a summer-long harvest of aromatic, citrus-infused mint leaves.