Common Name:

General Information

Mentha × dalmatica is a herbaceous perennial plant.
The plant is occasionally cultivated in European gardens (Poland, Germany, Switzerland) for the preparation of a herbal tea[].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.

Botanical References

Range

Europe - northern Russia, then Germany, Belgium and France, eastwards to Ukraine and Romania

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Mint species generally succeed in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry, preferring slightly acid conditions[, , ]. They usually grow well in heavy clay soils. Essential oil production is best when the plant is in a sunny position, though the plants also succeed in partial shade.
Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will often not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division[].
Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil[].
This species is a sterile hybrid between Mentha arvensis and Mentha longifolia[].
Mints are usually good bee and butterfly plants[], and make good companions for cabbages and tomatoes.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used to make a herbal tea[].

Medicinal

A tea made from the leaves of most mint species has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments[].
The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use[].

The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it can be toxic in larger doses[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Mint species are usually good bee and butterfly attractant plants, supplying them with good quality pollen and nectar[]
Mints are usually quite aromatic plants and they make good companions for cabbages and tomatoes, their aromatic nature helping to repel insect pests..

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the whole plant.

Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. Members of the genus have therefore often been used in homes as strewing herbs and have also been spread in granaries to keep rodents off the stored grain[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division[].
Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.