Strawberry mint is one of the types of mint whose menthol content is particularly low. The plants develop a fruity aroma that gives many dishes new flavor nuances. If you want to overwinter the plant outdoors, there are a few things you need to consider.
Is strawberry mint hardy and how do I protect it in winter?
The strawberry mint is hardy and can survive temperatures down to -4 °C without any problems. To protect them during the winter, cut the shoots back to the ground and cover the bed with a layer of brushwood or pine branches. In April you remove the protection.
Location
Strawberry mint is considered an uncomplicated culinary herb that can be cultivated in pots or planted in the garden. The plant's ability to spread makes a root barrier outdoors necessary, otherwise new shoots will grow in many corners of the garden within a short time. Strawberry mint develops its full aroma in sunny locations when the soil ensures moist conditions. If the soil tends to dry out, the culinary herb is better off in a partially shaded location.
Harvest
The aroma of the leaves is particularly intense if you process them directly after harvesting. Cut off as many leaves as you can use. During the summer months you can stock up. At this time, the leaves contain large amounts of essential oils, which are largely retained when whole leaves are dried. These must not be crushed, otherwise the essential oils will be lost.
Preparing for winter
After the flowering period in August, the plant can be cut back to 15 centimeters. Fertilization stimulates the plant to produce new growth, so that you can reap a final harvest of fresh leaves in autumn.
When the leaves turn brown in autumn, the time has come for radical pruning. Wait until the plant is completely absorbed. Cut the shoots back to the ground and pluck the leaves from the branches. They can be dried and used as a spice.
Winter protection
The strawberry mint is considered hardy and survives the cold season without any problems if the temperatures do not drop below -4 °C. Protection from the cold is recommended if the plant is exposed to lower temperatures for a long time. After you have cut off the dead shoots, you can lay out a layer of brushwood or pine branches on the bed. The airy insulation protects the plants from sub-zero temperatures. In April the protection is removed so that the plant can sprout again.
