Vietnamese Mint advice

GreenMummy · #1 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 01:05 PM

Hi
Does anyone grow Vietnamese Mint? It's also known as Vietnamese Coriander, Cambodian mint, hot mint, laksa leaf or Polygonum odoratum.
I have some in a pot inside (I'm in Melbourne), but it is just getting long and leggy.
I have read that if it is cut back it should grow more bushy. Has anybody done this with success? I really love this plant, so I don't want to hack it to pieces and then it not grow back!
Any advice?

Dorasmum · #2 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Vietnamese mint can be planted straight into the garden. Just take a cutting from the parent plant that's got lots of little roots on it. Dig it into a nice, moist soil. It loves soil that's got lots of manure in it and it likes to be cut back all the time, to keep it growing vigorously. Both of these plants will be ready for harvesting in about a month.
Fertilise tropical herbs twice a month during the wet season and once a month during the dry.

Found that on gardening aust website, I think you'd be right..

What does it taste like? As opposed to regular coriander? We love coriander but you've got me curious.... sounds intriguing..

Em

Scarlettsmum · #3 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 11:20 PM

Apparently you can grow it in water, ie a pond. I know that it doesn't like to dry out. I have mine growing in a shady spot in the garden. It does really well when I remember to water it!

hanabi · #4 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 01:23 PM

It will grow back over the summer. It's a tropical herb so it may not grow so abundantly in the southern states - particularly indoors with heating over the winter! It's quite delicious! I love it!