What is happening to my corsican mint? - Ask Extension
My corsican mint was growing beautifully but then a small dark spot appeared. It has quickly grown and looks like the whole plant will die. Any idea w...
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What is happening to my corsican mint? #851054
Asked September 24, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
My corsican mint was growing beautifully but then a small dark spot appeared. It has quickly grown and looks like the whole plant will die. Any idea what is happening and why if there is anything I can do about it? Thanks!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Vanessa. Unfortunately, there are at least 14 diseases that are common in the mint family, most of which result in the symptom(s) you are observing (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=mint). While I can't diagnose which one(s) your plant has, the OSU Plant Clinic can examine the roots and foliage and recommend what to do. https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials
I see that there is a soaker hose close to the plant. While watering with this method is preferred, overwatering results in root rot--typically a fungus that lives in the soil. Do you know whether there is good drainage under the plant? This article has mint care advice: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/mint/cultural-tips/index.html?src=307-pageViewHLS
You might want to consider growing mints in containers so you can control their growth and monitor drainage, fertilizers and sun more closely. Good luck!
I see that there is a soaker hose close to the plant. While watering with this method is preferred, overwatering results in root rot--typically a fungus that lives in the soil. Do you know whether there is good drainage under the plant? This article has mint care advice: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/mint/cultural-tips/index.html?src=307-pageViewHLS
You might want to consider growing mints in containers so you can control their growth and monitor drainage, fertilizers and sun more closely. Good luck!
Another expert believes that this variety of mint need not be grown in containers, as it is not invasive. I am uncertain whether you care about this trait, but I have been unable to find any definitive information about this variety's tendency to spread through rhizomes.
Another expert believes that this variety of mint need not be grown in containers, as it is not invasive. I am uncertain whether you care about this trait, but I have been unable to find any definitive information about this variety's tendency to spread through rhizomes. So, "a word to the wise"--assuming your plant survives!
