Mints

Anyone want to share there knowledge on some mint varieties? Who grows from seed and who from rhizomes

Mints are quite easy to grow. I have grown both from seed and from small plants shared by others. I currently have peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint, lemon balm (in the mint family) and catmint (which was a mistake that I got and am afraid to plant because I don't need to attract cats since I have two very zealous dogs that would love to chase the cats).

I have some mint in full sun and it does fine and others in heavy shade that only gets some afternoon sun and it does fine too.

Lemon balm is supposed to repel mosquitoes when rubbed on your arms and legs. It depends on the mosquiotes, tho.

I have grown lemon balm and marjoram from seed with direct sowing, no problem. My lavender, peppermint and spearmint came from division.

Renate Haeckler wrote:Lemon balm is supposed to repel mosquitoes when rubbed on your arms and legs. It depends on the mosquiotes, tho.

I noticed that my lemon balm started smelling more like citronella the later in the season it got, so I thought it might have some kind of best times for harvest depending on if you are using it for bug control or consumption.
Another note on lemon balm is I rooted some cuttings in a cup of water and let them grow leaves and everything for months indoors. The leaves were more compact, darker and less fragrant. When I pinched the leaf though it was a strong citronella aroma. So this higher citronella smell could be from lower light levels.