Black Mint

How to sow black mint: Direct seed indoors or outdoors (if indoors, harden seedlings off before transplanting)

Sun requirement for black mint: Plant in Full Sun

Black Mint or Mexican Marigold is a tall, upright marigold plant with small, pale yellow flowers. It is native to southern South America, where it's dried leaves are used as a culinary herb to give an apple-like flavor. Black Mint can be used as an herbal tea to treat colds, respiratory inflammations, or stomach problems. It is also harvested for an essential oil, "marigold oil," that is used in perfume, tobacco, and soft drinks. It's roots secrete insecticidal and herbicidal compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants and kill perennial weeds like Ground Elder and Couch Grass. It's sap can irritant some people's skin. Black Mint can be invasive, to prevent this, trim blossoms before they go to seed.