Double Mint Farming in Kenya: A Complete Guide to Cultivation and Profit

Jun, Sat, 2025
Irungu J
Crops Production , Herbs & Spices
0
8 minutes Read

Double mint, a vibrant hybrid of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), is a fragrant herb celebrated for its bold, refreshing flavor and versatility. Its dual minty essence makes it a favorite in teas, cosmetics, and culinary creations, driving demand across Kenya and beyond. At Organicfarm.co.ke, we’re dedicated to helping farmers grow double mint sustainably, transforming small plots into profitable ventures. This guide provides a complete roadmap for cultivating organic double mint in Kenya, covering ideal conditions, step-by-step cultivation, pest control, health benefits, and smart marketing strategies.

Why Double Mint is a Farmer’s Treasure

Double mint’s fast growth (harvestable in 80–100 days), perennial nature (yielding for 4–7 years), and low maintenance make it a high-value crop. Its organic appeal commands premium prices, with fresh leaves fetching KES 700–2,000 per kg in urban markets like Nairobi and Mombasa, and dried leaves or essential oils reaching KES 6,000–8,500 per kg for export. Kenya’s booming herb market, fueled by wellness trends and hospitality sectors, positions double mint as a lucrative choice for organic farmers.

Climatic Conditions for Double Mint

Double mint adapts to diverse Kenyan climates but thrives under specific conditions:

Temperature: Optimal range is 15°C–28°C. It tolerates mild frost but struggles above 33°C, making regions like Central Kenya (Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri), Rift Valley (Nakuru, Eldoret), and Western Kenya (Kisumu, Kakamega) ideal.
Rainfall: Requires 700–1,300 mm annually, well-distributed. In drier areas like Kitui or Laikipia, supplemental irrigation is essential.
Altitude: Grows well from 800 to 2,500 meters, covering most highland and mid-altitude zones.
Sunlight: Needs 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot coastal areas like Malindi, provide light shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Incorporate organic matter to enhance moisture retention in sandy soils.

Organic Tip: Conduct a soil test through Organic Farm to confirm pH and nutrient levels. Adjust acidic soils with lime or alkaline soils with gypsum.

Step-by-Step Growing Manual

1. Sourcing Quality Planting Material

As a sterile hybrid, double mint propagates vegetatively through runners, stem cuttings, or root divisions:

Runners: Healthy underground stems with nodes, perfect for large-scale planting.
Stem Cuttings: 12–15 cm cuttings with 3–4 nodes, rooted in a nursery or field.
Root Divisions: Clumps of roots from mature plants, replanted directly.
Source KEPHIS-certified, disease-free planting material from Organic Farm (email: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com, phone: +254 712 075915) for vigorous establishment.

2. Land Preparation

Choose a well-drained site with good sunlight and water access.
Clear weeds, stones, and debris, then plow to a depth of 20–30 cm.
Add 12–15 tons per hectare of well-decomposed manure or compost to enrich soil.
Create raised beds (15–20 cm high, 70–90 cm wide) in wet areas to prevent waterlogging.
Ensure soil pH is 6.0–7.5, adjusting as needed.

3. Planting

Plant during rainy seasons (March–April or October–November) to reduce irrigation needs.
Place runners or cuttings 5–8 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart in rows 50–60 cm apart.
For root divisions, plant clumps with roots covered at the same spacing.
Water immediately after planting to settle soil and promote rooting.

4. Irrigation

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first 6 weeks.
Irrigate every 2–3 days in dry periods, reducing to every 5–7 days for mature plants.
Use drip irrigation to deliver 25–30 mm of water per session, minimizing disease risks.
Mulch with dry grass or straw to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

5. Fertilization

Apply 10–12 kg of compost or vermicompost per plant annually, split across rainy seasons.
Use organic liquid fertilizers like fish emulsion or compost tea (10:5:5 NPK equivalent) every 5–7 weeks to boost foliage.
Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent weak, pest-prone growth.

6. Weed Control

Hand-weed or hoe gently during the first 2 months to eliminate competition.
Apply organic mulch (e.g., maize stalks or rice husks) to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
Double mint’s vigorous growth naturally controls weeds once established.

7. Pruning

Pinch back tips every 4–6 weeks to promote bushy growth and prevent flowering, which reduces leaf quality.
Trim older plants annually to remove dead or woody stems and encourage new shoots.

8. Harvesting

Start harvesting 80–100 days after planting when plants are 20–30 cm tall.
Cut stems 5–8 cm above the base in the early morning for maximum oil content.
Harvest every 4–6 weeks, removing no more than one-third of the plant to ensure regrowth.
Yields average 10–15 tons of fresh leaves per hectare annually under good management.

9. Post-Harvest Handling

Rinse leaves lightly to remove dust, then use fresh or dry in a shaded, ventilated area at 30–35°C for 5–8 days.
Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light to preserve flavor.
Process into teas, essential oils, or powders for value addition. A liter of double mint essential oil sells for KES 5,500–8,500 locally.

Pests and Diseases: Organic Management

Double mint’s strong aroma deters some pests, but challenges require organic solutions to maintain certification.

Pests

Aphids:
- Symptoms: Tiny green insects on new shoots, causing leaf distortion.
- Control: Spray neem oil (10 ml per liter) or soap-water solution (5 ml per liter). Release ladybugs for biological control.
Spider Mites:
- Symptoms: Fine webbing and yellow speckling on leaves.
- Control: Mist plants to raise humidity. Apply organic sulfur dust or neem-based sprays.
Flea Beetles:
- Symptoms: Small, jumping beetles creating holes in leaves.
- Control: Use sticky traps or dust with diatomaceous earth. Plant garlic as a repellent.
Loopers:
- Symptoms: Green caterpillars eating leaves, leaving large holes.
- Control: Handpick or spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (5 g per liter).

Diseases

Mint Rust:
- Symptoms: Orange pustules on leaf undersides, causing leaf drop.
- Control: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Apply organic sulfur fungicides and ensure good air circulation.
Powdery Mildew:
- Symptoms: White powdery spots on leaves in humid conditions.
- Control: Spray with milk-water solution (1:9 ratio) or potassium bicarbonate (10 g per liter). Thin plants for ventilation.
Root Rot:
- Symptoms: Wilting plants with blackened roots due to overwatering.
- Control: Improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Apply Trichoderma harzianum as a soil treatment.

Organic Tip: Use companion planting with onions or marigolds to repel pests and enhance soil health. Rotate pest controls to prevent resistance.

Health Benefits

Double mint’s potent menthol and spearmint oils drive its medicinal appeal:

Digestive Relief: Eases bloating, indigestion, and nausea with its antispasmodic properties.
Respiratory Health: Clears congestion and soothes sore throats in teas or steam inhalation.
Pain Management: Reduces headaches and muscle pain when applied topically.
Antimicrobial Action: Fights bacteria and fungi, supporting oral and skin health.
Stress Relief: Promotes relaxation and mental clarity in aromatherapy.

Caution: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Consult a healthcare provider for internal use.

Uses of Double mint

Double mint’s versatility fuels its market demand:

Culinary: Fresh or dried leaves flavor teas, cocktails, salads, and desserts.
Medicinal: Used in herbal remedies, tinctures, and supplements for digestion and pain relief.
Cosmetic: Incorporated into soaps, lotions, and toothpaste for cooling effects.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils in diffusers or candles enhance relaxation.
Pest Repellent: Planted or sprayed to deter insects like mosquitoes and whiteflies.

Market Demand and Profit Strategies

Demand

Double mint enjoys robust demand:

Local Markets: Fresh leaves sell for KES 700–2,000 per kg in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Dried leaves fetch KES 3,000–5,000 per kg.
Export Markets: Organic double mint leaves and oils target Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with essential oils priced at KES 5,500–8,500 per liter.
Industries: Tea blenders, cosmetic manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies are key buyers.

Marketing Strategies

Organic Certification: Secure KEPHIS or KOAN certification to access premium markets.
Local Sales: Supply supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Naivas), hotels, and herbal stores.
Export Opportunities: Collaborate with exporters like Vegpro to meet global standards.
Value Addition: Produce teas (KES 250–450 per 50g packet), essential oils, or skincare products for higher margins.
Digital Outreach: Market on Organicfarm.co.ke, social media (WhatsApp, Instagram), or platforms like Jumia.
Cooperatives: Join groups like the Nakuru Herb Farmers’ Cooperative for bulk sales and training.

Profit Tip: Invest in a portable essential oil extractor (KES 60,000–120,000) to produce high-value oils for local and export markets.

Future Prospects

Double mint farming in Kenya has a bright future:

Global Demand: Organic herbs and natural products are projected to grow 20% annually.
Export Growth: Kenya’s herb exports, supported by the Horticulture Directorate, are expanding rapidly.
Climate Suitability: Double mint’s adaptability to diverse climates ensures resilience.
Value Addition: Processed products like oils and teas offer higher returns.
Challenges include invasive growth and market competition. Containment strategies (e.g., planting in raised beds) and cooperative marketing address these issues.

Start Your Double Mint Journey with Organic Farm

Ready to grow this fragrant cash crop? Organic Farm offers KEPHIS-certified double mint runners, expert guidance, and nationwide delivery. Contact us today: