Is there a way to identify mints via structure and/or color?
X
Mint ID
X let me see if I can "bring" Jill over here...she's my herb guru...
It depends on the mint... some varieties have darker stems, or fuzzy leaves, etc. I can tell my 'Kentucky Colonel' spearmint from my 'Chocolate Peppermint' at a glance, and I can tell some of my other mints apart also, especially with a side by side comparison. Others look very much alike, and sometimes the fragrance/flavor differences aren't as pronounced as other times, so it can be tricky.
I think (although I'm not quite sure) that all mint family plants have square stems... seems like I read that somewhere... LOL
That's my problem .. I've got two I can't id .. they both look alike but don't smell quite the same.
X
Can you post a photo &/or description of the one you're trying to ID, or was this just a general question?
Here's a photo with 'KY C' spearmint on the left, Chocolate Peppermint on the right.
There are some other photos in this article I wrote about hybrid mints: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1354/ They'll at least give you an idea that the different varieties often do look a little different.
:-)
Hmm, if your two really look identical, the difference in flavor/aroma could just be due to different growing conditions. Or, perhaps one of your plants didn't get pinched back after blooming, in which case you could have an F2 seedling of some hybrid variety... that would account for their not being "quite the same."
Here is a picture of the two unknowns ... I'm told one is a chocolate.
Here is a large picture for a closer view
www.xeramtheum.com/mints2.jpg
Thanks!
X
Hmmm neither look like Chocolate to me...Jill posted a pic - I can another for comparison if you like. It really does smell like a peppermint patty when rubbed though.
The leaves on my chocolate peppermint seem coarser and darker green, with dark purplish color on the stems and undersides of the leaves. I don't know about the other... does it have a citrus scent at all? My orange mint I think has leaves that look a little like that...
I'll check the scent again next time I go out to the greenhouse .. I was sent 5 mints for a trade of two very nice and well cared for hard to find plants .. None of what I was sent were labeled. All were just yanked out of the ground, a bit of soil slapped on them and wrapped in paper towel. The only thing that had any kind of root was the weed that piggybacked along. 2 have croaked all ready, a third looks like it's on its way. I am so disgusted I could spit. I haven't left feedback yet and I'm tempted to. I've got too much of a mad on to d-mail back the person who did this.
Sorry to vent .. I'm just so angry.
X
X - you and I've not traded before but if you'd like some chocolate mint I'd be more then happy to pull some up and send it off to you. It's light enough it could probably even go first class to you - esp. since you're just a couple states away. Would you like some?
Thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it later. Check my trade list and see if I have anything you might want.
X
See now...I wasn't even looking for a trade but then curiosity got the best of me ^_^ I get weak when it comes to the fragrants. When/if you have some Chilean Jasmine/Mandevilla Laxa strong enough, would you keep me in mind please. I tried to grow those from seed - and was....well shall we say UNsuccessful. I don't believe that would be an even trade though and noticed you had quite a list of cannas. Might I interest you in a tuber of either Canna x generalis 'Wyoming' (bloomed last year) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/3302/ or Canna x generalis 'Black Knight' (can't remember if this one bloomed or not) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/37203/
No more canna for me! I got rid of all but the Karchesky and Bengal Tiger .. I kept those because they will be good trading currency .. got fed up with fighting leaf rollers. My canna bed got turned into a Crinum and Hardy Ginger bed.
What kind of problem did you have with the Chilean Jasmine? Now you have me worried. I've grown bunches from seeds and traded with them .. does that mean at some later date they are gonna croak on me?
X
Oh please...YOU have nothing to worry about...I, on the other hand, seem to be lacking in seed starting (only of plants I REALLY want though) and rooting hardwood cuttings. I'm sure your's are just fine.
I can just send you the mint - next week though, ok?
Please wait .. I'm in the middle of 6 trades right now. I'm not prepared to take on anymore at the moment .. I'll let you know.
X
X - no worries...was just trying to help ya out. You let me know when you're ready and I'll pull em and pack em'
Critter ~ is it my imagination or do the mints smell differently due to moisture levels too. They seem more muted when wetter...
Mine are different every time I check them, I think!
I sniffed them again and one smells of peppermint .. no chocolate that I can discern. The other one is sort of indescribable.
X
"Chocolate" peppermint... to me, the "chocolate" part needs some imagination.. but it's definitely a sweet scent, not harsh like some varieties, and that does put me in mind of an Andes candy or peppermint patty.
Well, smell is pretty subjective .. I definitely smell peppermint.
X
Ok...now THAT'S just funny