Mountain Mint
Seed # 217
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 217
- Seed Name
- Mountain Mint
- Variety
- Not recorded
- Category
- Herb
- Plant Family
- Lamiaceae
- Plant Type
- Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)
- Planting Method
- Direct Sow or Transplant
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- Mar 1
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Jun 15
- Plantable Months
- March, April, May, June
- Indoor Start
- Mar 1 – Mar 24
- Direct Sow
- Apr 1 – Jun 15
- Transplant
- May 6 – Jun 15
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- Not recorded
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- 0 weeks
- Germination Days
- Not recorded
- Harvest/Maturity
- Not recorded
- Succession Planting
- Not recorded
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- Not recorded
- Planting Depth
- Surface sow or cover very lightly
- Plant Spacing
- 12-36 in
- Row Spacing
- Not recorded
- Thin-To Spacing
- Not recorded
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs
- Moderate; many species tolerate both moist and somewhat dry conditions
- Soil Preference
- Well-drained soil; species vary from moist to dry-site adapted
- Minimum Container Size
- container growing can help control spread
- Plant Height
- 1-4 ft depending on species
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Perennial
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- Yes
- Heat Tolerant
- Yes
- Drought Tolerant
- Yes
- Pollinator Friendly
- Yes
- Medicinal
- No
Garden Uses
Container Culinary Medicinal Pollinator TeaCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Balm | Good Companion | Not recorded |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- NC State Extension; MSU Extension
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Surface sow or sow shallowly; exact seed pretreatment varies by Pycnanthemum species
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Spring through midsummer; fall/dormant sowing may suit species needing winter exposure
Germination Time: Species unknown — germination timing and cold-treatment needs vary by Pycnanthemum species
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Leaves can be harvested once established; flowering generally occurs in summer, but exact timing varies by species
Container Friendly: Yes; container growing can help control spread
Pollinator Friendly: Yes; mountain mints are strong pollinator plants
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Aromatic leaves of some species are traditionally used for tea/culinary purposes; exact species should be confirmed before use
Perennial?: Yes; genus is largely hardy perennial
Succession / Reusable Notes: No succession needed; divide or contain spreading clumps as needed.
Zone 6B Notes: Many Pycnanthemum species are hardy in Zone 6B, but exact species identification is needed for precise moisture, height and germination requirements.
Companion Plants: Coneflower, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, native grasses and other pollinator plants
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: "Mountain mint" covers multiple Pycnanthemum species. Many spread by rhizomes, so allow room or contain them. Exact moisture needs vary by species.
Sources: NC State Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pycnanthemum/common-name/mountain-mint/ | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar
Original Plant Type: Perennial native-style herb / pollinator plant (Pycnanthemum spp.); exact species unknown
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Zone 6B: Mountain mints are hardy native perennials and exceptional pollinator plants. Many spread by rhizomes and can form expanding colonies.
Germination: The supplied common name does not identify the Pycnanthemum species, so species-specific germination timing is intentionally left null.
Harvest: Leaves may be harvested for aromatic teas and flavoring. Flowers are primarily valued for pollinator support.
Seed Saving: Allow dry flower heads to mature before collecting seed. Species identification is recommended before attempting to maintain a specific strain.
Special Care: Several plants are commonly sold simply as Mountain Mint, including Pycnanthemum virginianum, P. tenuifolium, P. muticum and others. The exact species is therefore not forced.
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pycnanthemum/ — Pycnanthemum genus identity, 1-3 foot general height, sun/partial shade, rhizomatous spread, tea use and strong pollinator attraction
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pycnanthemum-virginianum/ — Virginia mountain mint as one documented species, perennial habit and approximately 3-foot height
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pycnanthemum-tenuifolium/ — species variability in height, soil moisture tolerance, tea use and pollinator support
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