Over the past week or so, since discovering that mint cuttings can be rooted in a glass of water, I've made about 4-5 cuttings already. Virtually every stem that grew past the pot became a cutting. And what are the results? For one, it seems that rooting is faster in a glass of water than inside a zip locked plastic bag with water. Among the plants I've been experimenting with, the Japanese Mint has been the most productive. The Chocolate Mint is the runner up. I've had no luck growing roots for my Oregano Thyme or my Petunia. The sole cutting I made for my Poinsettia wilted. Then again, I read it was hard to propagate Poinsettias. But I digress.Every single newly rooted Japanese or Chocolate Mint that I planted looks fine. One went into a pot. Others went into a newly dug plot with garden soil. And just this morning, I dug two more plots and stuck in a mint each. I didn't even use the garden soil I bought. I just used whatever was in our yard, interspersed with grass cuttings. Why? I read that grass cuttings make for good mulching material so I figured I'd give it a try.
So I was reading up on Japanese Mint and I came across some interesting info. If you know more mint information, just add on to my list.
- Used for flatulence
- Can help with the liver and gallstones
- Helps with colds, cough and bronchitis
- Helps with sore throat (acts like a lozenge)
- Helps with headaches, cramps and tumors
- Prefers moist soil that's slightly acidic, but will grow in almost any type of soil
- Prefers sunlight but will grow even in partial shade
- Good as salad flavoring and as insect repellant (now why did I group those together?)
- One reason I dug up two plots for each mint is that mints hybridize freely. If I put my Japanese and Chocolate Mint together, I'd probably get a Japanese Chocolate Mint mix.
- They attract bees and butterflies
- Any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. How amazing is that? That must be every gardener's dream.
- Divide and repot mature plants. It makes them healthier.
- Mint leaves can be used as room freshener. Once I get enough big mint plants, I'll use this as a car freshener.
- Repels rodents
- Mint oil can be used externally to reduce arthritis pain. Now that's a benefit after my own joint!
Thanks for these great Information. I don't much about mint, but i think you have done a great work for growing it. http://www.highprofitpoint.com
ReplyDeleteIt's true that mints are easy to grow but you have to be careful when planting them in the ground. They can become a weed. If you're not careful you'll have more mint than you can handle. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, thanks for stopping by SelfSagacity. I am so happy to be introduced to your blog. Looks like I need to come back around more often. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I agree with your method of rooting in water first, just about any type of mint or herbs, I have been able to start them this way. I believe they like to be naturally grown as well.