Corsican mint is a hardy, deciduous, small ground covering plant and it is native to Corsica, Montecristo , Sardinia and parts of France where it is mainly found in mountainous areas. It is also known as creeping mint. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Like: water mint, peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, pennyroyal and horse mint. This low-growing plant with small, round, glossy green leaves has very short stems. The plant doesn't grow much higher than 5 cm. This plant can be used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, in pots, containers, hanging baskets and in small gardens. This plant blooms in summer (from June onwards) with small light purple flowers. Then this plant looks a bit like creeping thyme. This plant can also be grown between stones or tiles in a garden path. The leaves of this plant spread a lovely fresh mint scent. Corsican mint can be placed in both a sunny and shady spot. Like other mint varieties, this variety is also used medicinally against: constipation, gastrointestinal complaints and for fresh breath.
This species of mint has a very strong minty taste and smell. It is a useful plant that can repel all kinds of pests with its scent. Mice and other harmful rodents don't like the smell of Corsican mint. This fast-growing, hardy perennial does require a little more care than other mint varieties. It is especially important never to let the plants dry out. It is possible to grow this plant in pots that are open at the bottom. This way, the plant can spread a little more difficult. The plant can also be grown in large pots. This is also useful when cooking. This plant can be grown in a sunny spot as well as a spot in semi-shade. Corsican mint grows best in well-drained soil with some mulch to retain moisture. Can also be grown in calcareous and acidic soil. Above all, don't let this plant dry out, but don't leave it in water either as this can cause the roots to rot and the plant to eventually die. This plant can easily self-sow and is therefore also suitable for a feral garden. It can also be divided or spiked. Corsican mint is much loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. These seeds are granulated. Deciduous plant. Hardy perennial. Height: 5 - 10 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - June
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 5 - 10 cm
Planting position: sunny - half shade
Flowering period: June - September
Harvest period: June - October
Corsican mint can be sown indoors from March in seed trays filled with well-moistened potting soil. If necessary, add some perlite for looser soil. Sow the seeds sparingly and shallowly. Don't cover the seeds, but press them gently in the soil. Keep the seeds well moist, but not too wet to prevent rotting. After about 7 days, the seeds will emerge. Keep the temperature as even as possible and don't let it drop especially at night.
Corsican mint can be sown outdoors in a sunny spot with semi-shade and well-drained soil. Sow from mid-May, as soon as there is no chance of night frost. Sow shallowly and press the seeds gently in the soil. Keep well moist and weed-free. The temperature should be at least 18 °C, otherwise there is no point in sowing. Corsican mint should be protected from severe frost in winter with e.g. a mulch. It may happen that the plant freezes in severe frosts, but in this case it will sprout by itself the following spring. Mint makes few demands on the type of soil in which it is sown, but good drainage is important. You can also sow and keep mint in pots indoors so that fresh mint is always to hand when cooking. It is possible to harvest the leaves from June onwards. These leaves can also be dried. Packed in glass or plastic with a lid, this dried leaf can be kept frost-free in a dry, cool and dark place for about 1 year.
