Kitchen Mint
Tropical mint thrives in Thai humidity. Let it spread freely for continuous harvest.
A vigorous, aromatic perennial with deep green, crinkled, heart-shaped leaves. It spreads rapidly and releases a refreshing spearmint fragrance when brushed. A vigorous grower, it provides the essential cooling counterpoint in spicy salads like Larb and is often eaten fresh alongside grilled meats.
Cultivation
Sunlight
Partial Shade. Intense afternoon sun causes immediate leaf scorch.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist. The 'saucer method' (pot in shallow water) works well.
Soil Mix
Moisture-retentive: 50% compost, 50% loam.
Fertilizer
Apply organic compost or aged manure monthly.
Challenges
Rust Fungus (orange pustules on undersides). Aphids cluster on tender tips.
Cut plants to ground level if rust spreads. Prune tips to remove aphid colonies.
