OT: mint seeds anyone?

[Guest guest]

Thanks to BunnyBinky for suggesting the " Off Topic " designation.

I'll be the first to capitalize on it, if you don't mind...!

I've been combing the web for sources of mint seeds. Seems you can

easily find common mint, peppermint, spearmint, etc., but I can't

find some of the more exotic varieties like lemon mint (not Monarda

citriodira, but rather an actual Menta species), chocolate mint,

licorice mint, etc...

I've got a perfect plot of otherwise unproductive ground in one

isolated corner of my yard. I designed a system of semi-

subterranean dividers that should keep the cultivars separate (wide

channels between growing cells that I can keep mulched and prune

back the invasive runners) and prevent them from taking over the

entire garden.

Assuming sprouting people are likely to also be gardening people, I

was hoping someone out there might know where to get plants or seeds

for some of these exotic mints. If anyone has some " fun " mints

growing, I'm happy to pay (handsomely!) for some small potted plants

or seeds. Likewise, if anyone is within a few hour's drive of

Orlando Florida I'll gladly come pick up.

Mint, anyone? Can you help me out?

[Guest guest]

Something in my brain says mint seeds are not reliable in germination or in

remaining true to type.

Although not seeds and not organic you might be interested in learning about

mint varieties available as plants from Richters in Ontario, Canada. I have

their printed catalogue and there are 31 varieties listed in the catalogue

for 2007. Their website is www.Richters.com. Their catalogue has little

rightups on their herbs which I find very interesting.

I had a shallot with purple skin that bloomed and went to seed. I saved the

seeds and when I harvested the tiny bulbs at the end of the season some were

purple skinned and some were orange skinned. I now am growing them a second

season. I don't know what they actually genetically are. I also had an

onion blooming as well the variety is unknown as it was just from a shoot

from an organic onion I bought at the grocery store that I never ate in time

so I planted it.

Honey bees carry all sorts of pollens and pollens blow many many miles. I

have heard that Hemp has one of the farthest travelling wind carried pollens

and that marajuana crops in Canada are in danger of cross contamination of

their seed stock. The Organic Canola in Canada is almost all contaminated

with GMO Monsanto canola. So, I would recommend propagation from cuttings,

roots etc on plants that allow it. However, I do know plants that are

hybrized can throw off branches that are called sports. IE a variegated

maple I saw threw off a green branch. I have seen this on roses as well and

it wasn't a sucker from a root stock either. Nature is sooo cool.

I have a runner from a wild mint that was originally harvested from the

bush. Only caution my mom has given me regarding harvesting mint in the

wild to make jelly is that if it is around a lake (these mints love

moisture) there is a possibility of contamination from the waterfowl which

can carry an organism that causes Beaver Fever in humans. I do so love

wild mint jelly it is the strongest mint I have ever tasted. Chewing it

fresh is almost tooo intense.

Best of luck on your collection.

, Kamloops, BC, Canada

(who is off to the garden outside to nibble on some spearmint, if it hasn't

wilted like I have in this 36 degree celcius heatwave ! My sprouts are so

confused first it is hot inside then I put on the airconditioner and they

don't know what to do - grow or go to sleep!!!)

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