Biennial herbs grow for two seasons, flowering the second year only, and perennial herbs overwinter and flower each season. Summer care includes weed control and provision for adequate moisture. Mulch is an attractive and effective means of controlling weeds and maintaining constant soil moisture and temperature for the root systems. Mulches include bark chips or shredded bark, compost, ground corn cobs, pecan hulls or dried grass clippings and should be applied at least 3 inches deep around the plants. Peppermint has dark green leaves, reddish stem and lavender flowers.
Spearmint is lighter green with pink flowers.
Both emit a warm, spicy scent. Leaves may be stored fresh in a jar in the refrigerator or dried for later use. Needle-like, leathery, dark green leaves with a gray undersurface. 4 to 6 inches long, well drained soil containing lime. Soil must be kept moist.