Atlas Mountains mint Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija

Water

For Moroccan Mint (Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija), ensure that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water the plant deeply when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which may be roughly once or twice a week, depending on climate and indoor conditions. Use around 16 to 32 ounces of water per watering session for a medium-sized pot. During the hotter months, the frequency of watering may increase, while in the cooler months, it will decrease. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely, as mint plants prefer consistent moisture.

Light

Moroccan Mint requires partial to full sunlight to thrive. It does best in a spot that receives at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can get ample light but is protected from the harsh midday sun. Adequate light is crucial for the plant to develop its characteristic flavor and vigorous growth.

Temperature

Moroccan Mint prefers moderate temperatures, thriving best between 55°F and 70°F. It can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can stress the plant. The ideal location for Moroccan Mint will have stable temperature conditions without drastic fluctuations.

Pruning

Periodically pruning Moroccan Mint is essential to maintain a bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the active growing season by pinching off the tips to encourage branching. The best time to prune is in the spring and summer when the plant is growing vigorously. Regular trimming also helps to rejuvenate the plant and can enhance the flavor of the leaves.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Apple mint prefers a rich, moist, and well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. A mix of two parts potting soil to one part perlite or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and humidity for the roots.

Repotting

Apple mint should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide space for its rapidly growing roots. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Apple mint thrives well in moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-70%. It is adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions, but increased humidity promotes lush growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with adequate ventilation for Apple mint.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist for Apple mint.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija, commonly known as apple mint or woolly mint, begins its lifecycle when seeds germinate in the spring, requiring light and a temperature between 15-20°C to do so. Following germination, seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants with square stems and fuzzy, aromatic leaves characteristic of many mint species. This perennial herb then enters a phase of rapid vegetative growth during the warm months, spreading via underground rhizomes to form clonal colonies. In summer, apple mint produces small lilac or pinkish flowers in dense, terminal spikes that are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, a stage critical for sexual reproduction. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, which can germinate the following year to create new plants. During the winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, but the subsurface rhizomes survive to sprout anew when conditions become favorable in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija, commonly known as Moroccan mint, is most effectively propagated through the method of stem cuttings. This should ideally be done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, one must select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch piece, which is approximately 10 to 15 cm in length. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cutting is placed in a mix of moist potting soil or directly into water until roots develop. Once a good root system is established, the cutting can be planted into a pot or directly into the garden. This method is popular due to its high success rate and the speed with which new plants can be established.