American mountain mint [Pycnanthemum pilosum]

The American mountain mint is a perennial woody subshrub and is still a very unknown medicinal and spice plant in Europe. This species of origin is also called hairy mock mint. The vigorously growing, bushy and eyrie-forming plant originally comes from eastern and central North America. It grows wild along paths in light forests and open grasslands. Their aroma is highly aromatic! With relatively long, narrow and finely hairy leaves, it exudes an intense mint aroma. Optimal for teas and as a spice! The late light purple flowering mountain mint is a versatile and excellent bee pasture. The hardy garden perennial thrives on both dry and moist and heavy soils and prefers mineral soil. The medicinal plant is known in folk medicine as an aromatic tea plant.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root Type: Deep Root, Foothills
Nutrient requirements: Medium Eaters
Water Requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to-28 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, dry to moist, loamy, humus, mineral

PH: 6.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 14-21 days
Planting, row spacing: 50x60 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Cabbage, vines, apple, pear, tomato, walnut, potato
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from January to April or in autumn from October to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation from March in small pots.

General
No-till sown is unfavorable due to the possible drying out or carrying away of small animals such as ants. We recommend the pre-culture, sow in small pots and let the seedlings grow up to the first mint leaves. Let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings.
Mint prefers a fully sunny location with permeable, dry to moist, heavy loamy or slightly humus-rich and mineral soil.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds and rhizomes.

Care Plants
Just cut back the plant a little at the beginning of the year. If a natural spread is undesirable, separate the aboveground running roots in the spring with a spade. During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants additional water.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Pycnanthemum pilosum
English Names: American mint
German names: American Mountain Mint, Hairy mock Mint
Portuguese names: Hortelã americana
Spanish Names: Menta americana
French names: Menthe américaine