A Full Guide to Growing a Full Grown Chocolate Mint Plant

Chocolate mint is a fabulous herb that adds a unique flavor and aroma to dishes, drinks, and more. When full grown, this plant reaches around 2 feet tall and spreads into an attractive, lush groundcover. The dark green, rounded leaves smell and taste like chocolate, making this herb a fun addition to both ornamental and edible gardens

In this article, I’ll provide a full guide to growing your own full grown chocolate mint plant. We’ll cover topics like:

• What is chocolate mint?
• Chocolate mint plant characteristics
• How to grow chocolate mint
• Caring for chocolate mint plants
• Using and preserving chocolate mint
• Troubleshooting common problems

What Exactly is Chocolate Mint?

Chocolate mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’) is a hybrid mint cultivar It was created by crossing orange mint (M. citrata) with peppermint (M piperita). This resulted in a sterile hybrid with a distinctive chocolate aroma.

The leaves of chocolate mint are a dark green color with purple undersides. The stems are also dark in color. In summer, small lavender flowers bloom on upright stems. This plant spreads vigorously via underground rhizomes and stolons. It can be invasive in the garden if not contained properly.

Key Characteristics of Chocolate Mint Plants

Here are some quick facts about what you can expect from a full grown chocolate mint plant:

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial

• Mature size: About 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide

• Leaf color: Dark green with purple undersides

• Flower color: Lavender

• Bloom time: Mid to late summer

• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining

• Zones: 5-9

• Scent: Chocolate

• Taste: Minty with chocolate undertones

• Uses: Culinary, ornamental, aromatherapy

How to Grow Your Own Chocolate Mint

Growing chocolate mint is easy once you understand this plant’s preferences. Here are some tips for successfully growing it yourself:

Location: Choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. Mint generally prefers afternoon shade in hot climates.

Soil: Mint thrives in rich, moist soil. Before planting, work some compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil to improve drainage and nutrient content. The ideal soil pH is 6.5-7.0.

Planting: Start with nursery transplants or rooted cuttings once all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.Set each plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mint enjoys 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once in early spring to support growth.

Containment: Plant in containers or sink bottomless pots into garden beds to restrict spread. Rhizome barriers also work.

Mulch: Top dress with 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, or straw to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Your Chocolate Mint

Once established, chocolate mint is easy to maintain. Follow these care guidelines:

• Water plants regularly to keep soil moist but not saturated. Feel the soil to check moisture levels.

• Prune back flower stems after blooming finishes to promote leaf growth.

• Shear plants halfway down periodically to encourage bushy new growth.

• Divide congested plants in spring or fall to rejuvenate them. Replant divisions elsewhere.

• Apply an organic mulch each spring to conserve moisture and feed plants as it breaks down.

• Monitor for common pests like spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Control with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.

• Watch for diseases like mint rust and treat with organic fungicides. Improve air circulation between plants.

Harvesting and Preserving Chocolate Mint

The leaves of chocolate mint can be harvested anytime during the growing season. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.

To harvest, use scissors or pruners to snip leaves and stems back to right above leaf nodes. Take no more than 1/3 of growth at a time to avoid stressing plants.

Preserving chocolate mint is easy. You can:

• Hang bundles to air dry for storage

• Freeze leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil

• Infuse leaves in vinegar, honey, sugar, or spirits

• Puree leaves with salt and freeze in ice cube trays

Using Chocolate Mint

When full grown, chocolate mint provides an abundant harvest of leaves. You can use this tasty herb in both sweet and savory recipes. Some delicious ways to use it include:

• Adding leaves to chocolate desserts, ice creams, candy, and frosting

• Infusing into teas, cocktails, lemonade, and hot chocolate

• Tossing leaves into fruit salads

• Seasoning lamb, fish, chicken, and pork dishes

• Garnishing finished plates and drinks

• Blending into smoothies, yogurt, and shakes

The leaves also make a refreshing aromatherapy oil or room spray. Overall, chocolate mint is a versatile, easy-to-grow herb with many uses.

Troubleshooting Common Chocolate Mint Problems

Growing chocolate mint is generally problem-free but occasional issues can arise:

Wilting leaves: This usually indicates underwatering. Check soil moisture and water plants if top few inches are dry.

Yellow leaves: Overwatering may be the cause. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

Leggy growth: This is often from too much shade or nitrogen fertilizer. Give sunnier location and use balanced fertilizer.

Poor flavor: Can result from overwatering or under fertilizing. Let soil dry between waterings and feed with organic fertilizer.

Lack of flowers: Cause is commonly old, rootbound plants. Divide congested plants and rejuvenate by replanting divisions.

Disease/pests: Improve air circulation. Control mint rust with organic fungicides. Deter pests like mites with horticultural oils.

Adding a full grown chocolate mint plant to your garden provides you with a unique and versatile herb. Once established, this easy-care plant will generously reward you with harvests of chocolate-scented leaves. Contain its spreading growth, and you’ll be able to enjoy chocolate mint’s beauty and flavor for years to come.