Grow a garden filled with Pennyroyal Mint, from freshly harvested Mentha pulegium herb seeds. Pennyroyal Mint, like Peppermint & Spearmint, can be invasive through vigorous growth habits. The plants grow to a mature height of roughly 12 inches tall, displaying dozens of small, green colored leaves. These plants are attractive and aromatic, giving off the Mint like scent of a spearmint plant. Pennyroyal Mint is not only an herb, but also an attractive flowering plant as well. The mauve to purple colored blooms will develop and bloom through the summer months, attracting an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees & honeybees.
Pennyroyal Mint is categorized as a perennial flowering herb. Perennials such as this will establish a deep root system in its initial year of growth. The plants then wilt on the surface, due to harsh frosts, later returning the following Spring season. Their invasive growth habit is due to underground runners, making them perfect for containers, pots and window boxes. Its runners will cause the spread of new plants and its seed can drop to the ground beneath when the blooms have dried in late Autumn.
Pennyroyal Mint is a great herb to use medicinally, but you should be cautious of handling any part of this plant if pregnant. These herbs have a history of inducing abortion and should not come in contact with the skin if you are carrying a little one. Other more positive, medicinal uses, include pain relief caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, the soothing of colds and flu like symptoms and to aid in menstruation problems.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Pink
- Height: 12″ Tall
- Width: 36″ to 72″ Spread
- Harvest: 60 to 70 Days
- Uses: Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight / Partial Shade
Sowing The Seed
Pennyroyal Mint seeds are pretty tiny, so they are best established indoors, in a controlled environment. Start in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Scatter the tiny seeds directly to the surface of the soil, not covering them with any topsoil, since the will require light to germinate properly. Transplant your Pennyroyal Mint herbs into larger pots or containers once the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. If direct sowing outdoors, be aware that Pennyroyal Mint can spread through underground runners, so sowing in pots, or a contained area is best.
Growing Conditions
Pennyroyal Mint herbs are fairly adaptive when it comes to lighting. They can thrive in areas of full sun or partial shade and require temperatures of at least 70F to flourish. The soil can be rich in organic matter, or poor and sandy, just make sure that it is well drained. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily with a light mist setting or spray bottle, to avoid the disruption and/or washing away of your Pennyroyal Mint seeds.
Germination & Growth
Pennyroyal Mint can be more of a difficult herb to establish from seed, but they typically take anywhere between 7 and 28 days to germinate successfully. The plants grow vigorously, to a mature height of about 1 foot tall, and again should be placed in containers or in a controlled area to prevent it from spreading into other areas of the garden. The purple flowers will bloom several weeks after the plants are established, attracting many bumblebees & honeybees as well. Use these herbs to ward off pesky insects, such as fleas and mosquitos.