Potato Mint (Plectranthus esculentus)
African Potato Mint is a really unique and somewhat rare perennial (or annual!) ground cover and edible root plant. It's in the mint family of plants and is indigenous to parts of Africa and India. This lovely, sprawling ground cover grows effortlessly almost anywhere and we have ours planted in a variety of locations, from medicinal herb beds in full sun to underneath the lightly shaded canopy's of fruit trees.
Potato Mint (for short) is an incredibly hardy and fast growing plant that thrives in hot/dry conditions. It makes a wonderful ground cover for drought prone areas with the added benefit of producing potato-like edible tubers, which can grow as large as 4 lbs! The roots are high in protein, carbohydrates, iron and calcium. Requires 6 months of warm to hot growing conditions to yield large, mature tubers. If you're searching for a unique, super low maintenance edible plant to add to your collection, then African Potato Mint is for you!
Plant Type:
Perennial Tuber
Harvest Season:
Late Summer
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining soil
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Very Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Potato Mint is grown from cutting and is capable of harvest within growing season.
