How to Grow Pink Peppermint
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Pink Peppermint
Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Peppermint Pink'
herbPink Peppermint is a aromatic mint variety with variegated foliage featuring pink, cream, and green coloring on soft, velvety leaves. This ornamental herb combines decorative appeal with the classic peppermint flavor, making it both a garden showpiece and culinary asset. It spreads vigorously like other mints and grows 18-24 inches tall.
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Example Pink Peppermint timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pink Peppermint
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pink Peppermint
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler climates but adapts well to most temperate regions
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Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop their characteristic variegated pink, cream, and green foliage with soft, fuzzy leaves. Root system establishes and spreads horizontally.
Keep soil moist but allow some drainage. Provide partial shade in hot climates. Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushy foliage growth.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant produces abundant new stems and increasingly colored foliage showing pink variegation. Stems elongate and branch vigorously.
Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for optimal variegation.
Foliage Maturation
4-8 weeksPlant reaches full size with dense, colorful variegated foliage. Pink coloring becomes more pronounced in cooler temperatures.
Begin regular harvesting of leaf tips to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove any solid green or non-variegated stems to preserve variegation.
Flowering
6-8 weeksSmall purple, pink, or white flower spikes emerge above the foliage in mid to late summer. Flowering can reduce leaf quality.
For culinary use, pinch off flowers as they appear to keep energy focused on foliage production. Allow some flowers if you want to attract pollinators.
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or miticide if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur fungicide if needed.
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Hand-pick adults in early morning; remove affected plant parts; use neem oil as preventative.
Uses
Beverages and Tea
CulinaryFresh and dried Pink Peppermint leaves make a refreshing, cooling tea with authentic peppermint flavor. Use in iced beverages, hot tea, cocktails, and smoothies. [source]
Cooking and Garnish
CulinaryAdd fresh leaves to desserts, chocolates, ice cream, candy, and savory dishes like salads, vegetables, and lamb dishes. The pink variegation makes it particularly attractive as an edible garnish. [source]
Digestive Health
MedicinalPeppermint traditionally aids digestion, relieves bloating, and soothes stomach discomfort. Menthol in peppermint has been shown to have antispasmodic properties. [source]
Natural Flavoring and Fragrance
HouseholdUse dried leaves in sachets, potpourri, and homemade lip balms. The distinctive peppermint aroma freshens spaces and is useful in natural cleaning products. [source]
Garden Display
OrnamentalThe striking pink and cream variegated foliage makes Pink Peppermint an attractive ornamental herb for containers, borders, and mixed herb gardens. Ideal for small spaces when grown in pots. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when plant is 6-8 inches tall by pinching off leaf clusters from the top. Harvest regularly and consistently for best flavor and to encourage bushiness. Best flavor is in morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Harvest upper 1/3 of stems for continuous production. Can be harvested until first frost in fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pink Peppermint is a hybrid that's sterile and doesn't produce viable seeds, so it must be propagated by root division or stem cuttings—a feature that helped preserve this unique variegation throughout history.
- 🌱 The pink variegation intensifies in cooler temperatures and with increased light; some plants grown in hot climates may show less pink coloring.
- 🌱 All mints are ancient: the Victorians were particularly passionate about variegated mints and bred extensive collections; Pink Peppermint is one of several ornamental mint varieties that gained popularity during the Victorian era.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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