Mentha citrata is a natural hybrid of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata), growing up to 45cm high, with green serrated leaves and lilac flowers that appear from mid to late summer. It is considered one of the most fragrant mints, with its strong, lemon-like scent being the original source of Eau de Cologne fragrance.
Mint plants need about 1 to 2 inches of water every week, depending on the conditions. This includes both rain and your supplemental watering. Mint plants like water, but they cannot withstand soggy soil and wet feet, so monitoring the soil and using it as a guide on when to water is the best option.
For the best growth in confined areas such as containers, topdress plants with a thin layer of compost or organic fertilizer every few months. Aboveground pots will need winter protection in cold climates.
An ideal soil would be made up of 45% minerals (sand, clay, silt), 5 % organic (plant and animal) material, 25% air and 25% water. The mineral portion would be loam (20 – 30% clay, 30 – 50% silt and 30 – 50% sand).
Mints benefit from picking and pruning. They are shallow-rooted and easy to pull out, so there’s no reason to worry, as long as you provide physical barriers such as walls, walkways, or containers.
Provide good air circulation, with temperatures between 65 (18 °C) to 75 F (23 °C) and nighttime temperatures between 50 t(10°C) to 60 F (15 °C).
