Moroccan Mint Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Moroccan'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant commonly known as Moroccan mint is a fragrant herb that is a delight to both the garden and the kitchen. This variety of mint features textured, curly leaves that are a deep green color with a slightly shiny appearance. The leaves are small and rounded, the edges beautifully scalloped, delivering a distinctive appearance compared to other mint varieties. When the plant blooms, it produces small, delicate flowers that can range from light purple to lilac in color, often arranged in compact clusters known as whorls along the stem. The stems of the Moroccan mint are square-shaped and can sometimes display a reddish hue, a characteristic shared among other members of its family. The texture of the leaves is somewhat wrinkly, with a crinkled look that adds to their visual appeal. When these leaves are crushed or bruised, they release a strong and invigorating scent that is typical of mint plants, known for its fresh and cooling aroma. This delightful fragrance makes Moroccan mint a popular choice for culinary use, herbal teas, and garnishes. The plant can give a garden or indoor planting space a touch of vibrant greenery along with its sublime scent that can freshen up the area.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Moroccan Mint, Spearmint, Curly Mint, Moroccan Spearmint, Lamb Mint, Garden Mint, Green Mint, Pea Mint.
- Common names
  Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Moroccan'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Moroccan Mint is generally considered safe for human consumption and is commonly used in cooking and beverages. There are no widely recognized toxic effects of Moroccan Mint when consumed in typical culinary amounts by healthy individuals. However, like any plant or herb, consuming it in excessively large quantities could potentially lead to negative side effects such as gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in individuals with specific sensitivities.
- To pets
  Moroccan Mint is not typically toxic to pets. It can be safely consumed by animals such as dogs and cats in small amounts. However, as with any plant, if pets consume large amounts, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always prudent to introduce any new food, including herbs like Moroccan Mint, to your pet in small quantities and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Lilac
- Height
  1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Culinary Uses: Moroccan mint is widely used in cooking and beverages, particularly for its refreshing flavor in dishes like salads, sauces, and mojitos.
- Aromatic Qualities: The plant has a strong, pleasant aroma that is used for scenting rooms and in the production of perfumes and body care products.
- Gardening: Moroccan mint is often planted in gardens where it can act as a ground cover and is valued for its ability to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
- Landscape Design: Its vibrant green foliage offers a beautiful contrast in gardens, and it can be used in borders or as an aesthetic feature in landscape design.
- Cultural Significance: Moroccan mint plays an important role in Moroccan culture, used in traditional mint tea, which is a sign of hospitality.
Medical Properties
- Digestive Aid: Spearmint is traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
- Relief of Respiratory Conditions: It is used to ease symptoms of coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments due to its decongestant properties.
- Antispasmodic: Spearmint may alleviate cramps, including those associated with menstrual issues due to its antispasmodic effects.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Spearmint has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant Properties: It contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which are important for preventing damage to cells caused by free radicals.
- Stress Reduction: Spearmint is sometimes used to help reduce stress and improve relaxation, often through its use in aromatherapy.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Mentha spicata 'Moroccan' can be used as a natural insect repellent when its leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin, as the strong scent is disliked by many insects.
- The plant can be used in potpourris or sachets to impart its fresh, minty fragrance to linens and clothing stored in drawers and closets.
- Fresh or dried leaves of Mentha spicata 'Moroccan' are sometimes incorporated into homemade cleaning solutions for a pleasant aroma and potential antibacterial properties.
- It can be added to pet bedding to provide a fresh scent and possibly deter fleas and other pests due to its strong fragrance.
- The leaves can be used to create a natural dye, producing shades of green when used on fabrics like wool or silk.
- Culinary artists may use whole leaves as a decorative element in plating, adding both visual appeal and a hint of flavor to gourmet dishes.
- Chopped leaves can be mixed into soil as a mild, natural fertilizer, as they decompose and release nutrients back into the soil.
- The plant can be grown as a companion plant in the garden to help deter pests from more sensitive crops due to its strong aroma.
- Plant enthusiasts may use Mentha spicata 'Moroccan' for topiary, training it to grow in decorative shapes in the garden.
- Crushed leaves can be added to homemade candles or wax melts to infuse them with a refreshing, minty essence while they burn.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Moroccan Mint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Moroccan Mint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Refreshment: Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Moroccan', commonly known as Moroccan Mint, is often associated with the idea of refreshment due to its cool and crisp flavor that can invigorate the senses and revitalize the spirit.
- Hospitality: In Moroccan culture, mint tea is a traditional sign of hospitality, offered to guests as a welcome gesture, making the Moroccan Mint plant symbolize warmth, friendship, and the act of welcoming someone into one's home.
- Healing: Mint has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties, and thus Moroccan Mint is symbolically linked to healing and the soothing of ailments, both physical and spiritual.
- Protection: Some believe that mint has protective qualities, and Moroccan Mint can be seen as a symbol of protection against harm and negativity.
- Love and Virtue: In some folklore, mint is connected with love and virtue, often included in potions or spells; Moroccan Mint carries this symbolic meaning, embodying the idea of love's enlivening and moral purity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Moroccan Mint should be watered deeply so that the water reaches the root zone, usually about 1-2 gallons per week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It prefers consistently moist soil, so it's best to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Reduce watering in the cooler, dormant months to prevent oversaturation of the soil.
Light
Moroccan Mint thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide at least six hours of sunlight a day, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade would be ideal to protect it from the intense heat of the day.
Temperature
Moroccan Mint prefers temperatures between 55°F and 85°F for optimal growth. While it can withstand occasional drops below this range, it's not tolerant of prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F or above 90°F. The mint may go dormant or reduce growth outside of these temperature ranges, so adjustments to care may be necessary with seasonal changes.
Pruning
Pruning Moroccan Mint is essential for encouraging bushy, compact growth and preventing it from becoming leggy. It should be pruned regularly throughout the growing season by pinching off the tips and flower buds. The best time to prune is in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth from the winter and stimulate new growth. Pruning before the plant flowers can help maintain the desired shape and size.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Moroccan Mint prefers a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or sand, and an organic component such as compost works best, ensuring nutrients and proper drainage.
Repotting
Moroccan Mint should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. This frequent repotting helps prevent the plant from becoming root-bound and maintains its health.
Humidity & Misting
Moroccan Mint thrives in moderate humidity levels. It does well in average room humidity but benefits from a slight increase, especially if the air is very dry. No specific humidity level is essential, but avoiding very dry air is advisable.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, moderate watering, and good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Full to partial sun, well-drained soil, regular watering.
- Hardiness zone
  5-11 USDA
Life cycle
Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Moroccan', commonly known as Moroccan mint, begins its life as a seed, which when planted in well-draining soil and under suitable conditions germinates within 10 to 15 days. After germination, it progresses into the seedling stage, establishing roots and sending up shoots with characteristic mint leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust root system with trailing stems that can rapidly spread, and it may need to be trimmed to prevent excessive growth. Following the vegetative phase, Moroccan mint reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage where it produces small, lilac-colored flowers, typically in the summer, which are attractive to pollinators like bees. The plant then produces seeds from these flowers, propagating the next generation if the seeds are dispersed. Throughout its lifetime, Moroccan mint can also reproduce vegetatively through rhizomes and stem cuttings, allowing for rapid expansion and easy cultivation.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The common name for Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Moroccan' is Moroccan Mint. The most popular method of propagating Moroccan Mint is through stem cuttings, which can be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting should be taken from a healthy, non-flowering stem. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end is placed in water or a moist potting mix. Roots typically develop within a couple of weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into the garden or a container with well-draining soil. This method is favorable because it maintains the varietal characteristics of the mint and ensures a clone of the parent plant.