Herb · Lamiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
peppermint
Mentha ×piperita
In short a 10-second read
Peppermint (herb) grows to 0.3–0.9 m tall and 0.4–1.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are purple or pink. Plant out in March–April, September–October. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.4–1.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · purple or pink
Pruning
prune after flowering (August–September)
Planting out
division: March–April, September–October
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include peppermint
Lemon balm, mint, hyssop and sage — tea from the bed from spring to…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does peppermint flower?
In July–August; the flowers are purple or pink.
Does peppermint tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does peppermint need?
At maturity 0.4–1.5 m wide and 0.3–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 40 cm.
Does peppermint survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Plants For A Future
- Neobiota Austria — Neophyten der Unionsliste
- SIŽP — Zoznam inváznych nepôvodných druhov
- EMA/HMPC - Menthae piperitae folium (herbal medicine)
- OSU Extension - Growing Herbs
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Herbs factsheet
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · peppermint
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: leaf
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: Adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5–3 g of dried leaves in 100–150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1.5–3 g of dried leaves in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 100–150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 4 years · children, adolescents EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1–2 g of dried leaves in 100–150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1–2 g of dried leaves in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 100–150 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 4
Drink 3× a day. EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: Adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture from the dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–3 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–3 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: Adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture from the dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 70 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–3 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–3 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 3× a day. EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaf | 1.5–3 g of dried leaves in 100–150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | Adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaf | 1–2 g of dried leaves in 100–150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 4 years · children, adolescents | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: leaf | 2–3 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | Adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: leaf | 2–3 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | Adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 70 % EMA 2 |
| Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to menthol EMA 4.3
- With gastro-oesophageal reflux (heartburn) EMA 4.4
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- Use with caution if you have gallstones or other biliary disorders. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried leaves, chopped
calculated · 1 : 5Cover with alcohol
ethanol 45 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
3× a day
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Adults onlyEMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- If allergic to mentholEMA 4.3
- With gastro-oesophageal reflux (heartburn)EMA 4.4
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- Use with caution if you have gallstones or other biliary disorders.EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/572705/2014 · Steeping days and straining