Mentha longifolia Seeds | Horsemint
LATIN NAME: Mentha longifolia
COMMON NAME: Horsemint
Plant Profile
Mentha longifolia, better known as Horsemint, is a vigorous, upright herb in the mint family. Plant spreads steadily into broad clump, and it carries fresh, aromatic presence through the season. It likes sun or part shade, and moist, well-drained soil. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the mint family, Mentha longifolia is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Aromatic oils of horsemint have a long place in research on medicinal and culinary herbs of mint family, and species appears in studies of leaf oil chemistry and creeping rootstock spread. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Horsemint has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In kitchen garden, horsemint scents corner through the season. Peppermint-scented leaves serve teas, salads, sauces and refreshing drinks for generations, flowers feed bees through late summer, and clump can be lifted and divided to spread the harvest. It grows well in moist, well-drained, sunny or lightly shaded ground. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Horse mint is a robust wild mint of Europe and Asia, used in folk teas much like its cultivated cousins, with a strong menthol character.
Growing from Seed
Starting Horsemint from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in partial shade until the seedlings are well up. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Mentha group, true to type from seed. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
Related Reading
If Horsemint appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: