The robust plant proves to be easy to care for and extremely robust. But you have to take some aspects into account, otherwise the aromatic plant will quickly lose its leaves. In addition to regular watering and fertilizing, the strawberry mint hardly needs any attention.
How do you properly care for strawberry mint?
Proper care for strawberry mint includes a sunny location, regular watering without waterlogging, fertilizing with slow-release fertilizer every six weeks, occasional cutting and, in winter, frost protection with brushwood or bubble wrap.
Location
The strawberry mint is adaptable, but prefers a sunny spot in moist soil. If you grow the plant in a container, a partially shaded location is more suitable. The earth doesn't dry out so quickly here. Avoid shady places as the aroma of the leaves only develops in sunny conditions. Strawberry mint grows slower under low-light conditions.
The perfect substrate:
- normal garden soil
- permeable structure
- humous and fruitful
Pouring
Moisture is essential for the survival of strawberry mint, because in dry conditions it quickly drops its leaves. With regular watering sessions you can cover the high water requirements of the aromatic plant. Constant wetness is undesirable as the roots rot quickly. Potted plants need to be watered more frequently than outdoor plants because the substrate in the pot dries out more quickly. When planting, make sure to have drainage made of pottery shards or gravel for better water drainage.
Fertilize
Every six weeks you can give the strawberry mint in the pot a liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) via the irrigation water. Use organic fertilizers when using the leaves in the kitchen. In spring, plants that grow outdoors are provided with compost or horn shavings. This gives the strawberry mint a long-term fertilizer that is sufficient for one growing season.
Cutting
Harvesting the leaves regularly will encourage the plant to form new branches. It grows bushier and remains compact. Regular cutting measures are not necessary. A strong pruning in spring is recommended so that the plant sprouts lushly again.
Wintering
In the garden, strawberry mint survives the winter with appropriate protection. If you cultivate the culinary herb in a bucket, you can bury it in the ground. Be careful not to allow water to collect in the pot. You can also keep potted plants warm on the windowsill over the winter. During the cold season the leaves develop a weaker aroma.
Care in winter:
- water on frost-free days
- Protect bucket with bubble wrap
- Cover outdoor plants with brushwood
