Mentha arvensis Seeds | Field Mint
LATIN NAME: Mentha arvensis
COMMON NAME: Field Mint, Corn Mint, Wild Mint, Japanese Mint
Plant Profile
Field Mint (Mentha arvensis) is an aromatic perennial in the family Lamiaceae, native to circumboreal temperate zones across Europe, Asia and north America. Species epithet arvensis means “of the fields”, referencing its natural habitat of moist meadows, stream banks, damp grasslands and woodland edges. It develops characteristic square, branching stems rising 15‑60 cm tall, bearing opposite, ovate, sharply serrated leaves that release a strong fresh mint aroma when crushed. The blooms are worked steadily by bees for as long as they are open. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the Lamiaceae family regularly include Mentha arvensis in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Field Mint brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Field mint is the world’s main commercial source of natural menthol, the cooling compound of balms, inhalers and lozenges; in Asia its leaf, Bo He, is a classical Chinese herb for wind-heat colds and sore throats.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Field Mint under ordinary good conditions. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in full sun. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Field Mint, Corn Mint, Wild Mint, Japanese Mint settles in quickly once it finds its footing. The seed responds well to a spell of cold stratification, a small step that pays off.
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