17 Types of Mint: How to Grow Different Types of Mint

Mint is a popular, aromatic herb in the Mentha family of plants. With hundreds of varieties grown around the world, this fast-growing crop is used for culinary purposes and in health and beauty products, gum, and candies. Most varieties thrive under similar growing conditions: full sun or partial shade with moist but well-draining soil. Note that most mint types also share the tendency to grow and spread very quickly to the degree that they’re considered invasive in some areas. As a result, you may prefer to keep mint plants in pots or containers to control their growth.

Consider some popular varieties in the mint family.

1. 1. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): A hybrid of watermint and spearmint, this common type of mind has dark green leaves that are serrated at the edges and feel fuzzy. Peppermint plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones five through nine.
2. 2. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): The name “spearmint” refers to the pointed leaf tips of this sweet-tasting type used as garnish and flavoring in teas. This culinary herb grows best in USDA hardiness zones five through nine.
3. 3. Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens): Also known as wooly mint or pineapple mint, this mint type has oblong, nearly oval-shaped leaves that have serrated edges and hairy tops. Its flavor is somewhat fruity and its dried leaves work well in fruit-themed potpourri. Apple mint is hardy in USDA zones five through nine and can survive in zone four with overwintering techniques.
4. 4. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium): This type of mind is toxic to humans and typically used as an insecticide. Pennyroyal mint works well as a ground cover plant but take care to keep it out of reach of small children. Pennyroyal is hardy in USDA zones six through nine and blooms lavender flowers in the summer.
5. 5. Banana mint (Mentha arvensis ‘Banana’): This mint variety has a scent reminiscent of banana. It produces lilac-colored flowers and lime green leaves, and it can be a great addition to desserts like ice cream or fruit salads. This perennial herb does best in hardiness zones five through eleven.
6. 6. Chocolate mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’): Despite its name, chocolate mint has a mostly minty flavor profile. However, its dark brown stems and leaves do smell somewhat like chocolate. It produces lavender flowers that bloom in the summer months. Chocolate mint grows best in hardiness zones five through nine.
7. 7. Lavender mint (Mentha piperita ‘Lavendula’): This mostly decorative variety of mint produces tall hedges and vibrant blooms. It’s a popular ingredient in shampoos and topical ointments, but you can also use it as a garnish for savory dishes. Lavender mint is hardy in USDA zones three through seven.
8. 8. Watermint (Mentha aquatica): Named for its tendency to grow near running water, this mint is used for its medicinal benefits. In the summer, it produces blue and purple flowers that attract lots of pollinators. You can grow watermint in a water feature or shallow pond in zones three through ten.
9. 9. Corsican mint (Mentha requienii): Known as the smallest of the mint family, this mint produces tiny oval leaves and is used as a bedding or bordering plant due to its low height and ability to repel pests. You can use Corsican mint in your garden as a ground cover plant in USDA zones six through nine.
10. 10. American wild mint (Mentha canadensis): Also known as corn mint, this type is mainly for medicinal uses, herbal teas, and mint jelly. It does best in direct sunlight and sandy soil in USDA zones four through ten.
11. 11. Cuban mint (Mentha x villosa): Also known as mojito mint for the fact that it is the authentic mint used in mojito cocktails, Cuban mint has a strong flavor and scent. It grows best in USDA zones five through nine and grows up to two feet tall in the right conditions.
12. 12. Orange mint (Mentha x piperita citrata): A key ingredient in Chartreuse liquor, this type’s strong citrus scent and flavor make it popular for mixed drinks and iced tea. Also known as bergamot mint, it is frequently used in perfumes. For the best results, grow orange mint in full sun in USDA zones four through eleven.
13. 13. Calamint (Calamintha nepeta): Calamint grows primarily in the UK and has a distinctly high menthol content. In the US, it does best in hardiness zones five through seven.
    
14. 14. Horsemint (Mentha longifolia): This type can grow up to four feet in height and is used for various medicinal purposes. Its lemon taste also pairs well with fish and poultry. For the best results, grow horsemint in a sunny area in USDA zones four through nine.
15. 15. Grapefruit mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Grapefruit’): This type has a grapefruit scent with a slightly fruity taste to the leaves. Grapefruit mint pairs well with lamb and seafood dishes. It grows best in USDA zones six through eleven.
16. 16. Catmint (Nepeta racemosa): While not the same as catnip or a true mint plant, this decorative plant is related to mint, and cats love it as well. It yields blue flowers in the late spring and can be used in your garden to deter pests. Grow catmint in USDA zones four through eight.
17. 17. Ginger mint (Mentha x gracilis): This type’s bright green leaves are sometimes served with soups, meat dishes, and Vietnamese dishes. It grows best in USDA zones five through nine.

Peppermint and spearmint are generally considered the most common varieties cultivated for culinary use. Most mint flavors at the store are sourced from spearmint and are popular as a garnish for lamb dishes. Peppermint is known for its strong taste and scent and is used in candies, ice cream, teas, toothpaste, and essential oils.

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