Grow Pineapple Mint in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Organic Farming Guide

Jun, Mon, 2025
Irungu J
Crops Production , Herbs & Spices
0
3 minutes Read

Bring a tropical twist to your Kenyan farm with pineapple mint, a herb that blends sweet pineapple and refreshing mint flavors, captivating markets at home and abroad. Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’), a perennial herb with variegated leaves, is ideal for teas, cocktails, and skincare products. At Organic Farmers, we’re here to help you grow this high-value crop organically across Kenya’s fertile regions. Here’s how to cultivate pineapple mint and turn it into a fruity profit!

Why Choose Pineapple Mint?

May be an image of Pineapple mint

Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’ is a low-maintenance herb, ready to harvest in 3–4 months, with strong demand in culinary and cosmetic markets. Its vibrant leaves sell for KSh 500–800 per kg in local markets like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, while dried leaves or essential oils can fetch up to KSh 6,600 per kg in export markets like Europe and Asia. Kenya’s favorable climate and our certified planting material make pineapple mint a profitable venture for farmers.

Ideal Growing Conditions in Kenya

Pineapple mint thrives across Kenya’s diverse regions:

Temperature: Grows best at 15°C–30°C, suited for Central (Nyeri, Kiambu), Western (Kakamega, Kisumu), and Coastal (Mombasa, Kilifi) areas.
Rainfall: Requires 800–1,500 mm annually; irrigation supports drier areas like Machakos.
Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy soils, pH 6.0–7.5, enriched with organic matter.
Sunlight: Needs 4–6 hours of sun or partial shade daily.

Tip: Use straw mulch to keep soil moist and prevent waterlogging.

How to Grow Pineapple Mint

Source Quality Plants: Get KEPHIS-certified runners or cuttings from Organic Farm or Seed farm. Contact us at oxfarmorganic@gmail.com or +254 712 075915.
Prepare Your Land: Clear weeds, plow to 20 cm, and add 8–10 tons/ha of compost. Form raised beds for drainage.
Plant: During rainy seasons (March–April or October–November), sow runners 5–10 cm deep, 20–30 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart. Water well.
Water Consistently: Irrigate every 2–3 days for young plants, 5–7 days for mature ones, using drip systems to avoid fungal issues.
Fertilize: Apply 6–8 kg/plant of compost yearly, plus compost tea every 4–6 weeks for lush growth.
Weed Control: Mulch early and hand-weed for 2–3 months; mint’s spread controls weeds later.
Harvest: Pick leaves in the morning, 3–4 months after planting, every 4–6 weeks. Dry in shade for teas or oils.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Pineapple mint’s fruity scent repels some pests, but stay proactive:

Aphids: Spray neem oil (1 tsp/liter) or use ladybugs.
Spider Mites: Boost humidity; apply neem or miticidal soap.
Rust: Ensure air circulation; use sulfur-based fungicides.
Root Rot: Improve drainage with raised beds.

Tip: Plant chives or marigolds as companions to deter pests naturally.

Health Benefits and Uses

Pineapple mint is as healthy as it is flavorful:

Culinary: Adds a pineapple-mint zest to teas, cocktails, and desserts.
Medicinal: Soothes digestion and stress in herbal teas.
Cosmetics: Essential oils enhance soaps and skincare with a refreshing scent.

Caution: Dilute oils to avoid skin irritation.

Cashing in

Sell fresh leaves for KSh 500–800/kg in local markets or process into dried herbs and oils for up to KSh 6,600/kg in export markets. Create value-added products like flavored teas or skincare to boost profits. Kenya’s thriving herb market and export opportunities make pineapple mint a smart investment.