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The “muck” soils of northwest Indiana were “mint” to grow peppermint, native spearmint and Scotch spearmint. The soil has an abundance of organic matter, which is loosely bound, making it ideal for growing different types of mint. Learn more about the Hoosier state’s connection to mint.
- The U.S. produces 70% of the world’s peppermint and spearmint supply.
- Indiana is the fourth leading producer of mint in the U.S.
- Northern Indiana is known for its mint production, which is located primarily within a nine-county growing region.
- Most of Indiana’s mint crop is distilled to make oil to flavor items such as gum, candy and dental products.
- Around 45% is used for gum, 45% for dental products, and 10% other products (candy, household products, etc.)
- Mint growers don’t use seeds. Instead, they start with mint plants or stolons, which are rootstock from existing plants.
- Mint plants typically sprout in Indiana in early May.
- Both peppermint and spearmint have a purple bloom.
- The Mint Industry Research Council reports that a single 55-gallon drum can flavor 400,000 tubes of toothpaste.
- All the plants in the mint family, including spearmint and peppermint, have square stems.
- Rodents hate the smell of mint. Soak rags or cotton balls in mint oil and stuff them anywhere pests may be a problem.
Sources: My Indiana Home, Purdue University
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