Strawberry Mint Farming in Kenya: A Complete Guide to Growing and Earning Organically

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

Transform your Kenyan farm with the delightful aroma of strawberry mint, a herb that’s capturing markets with its unique strawberry-like flavor. Strawberry mint (Mentha spicata ‘Strawberry’), a perennial spearmint cultivar, is perfect for teas, desserts, and cosmetics, offering Kenyan farmers a lucrative crop. At Organic Farmers, we’re here to guide you to grow this herb organically across Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Here’s how to cultivate strawberry mint and turn it into sweet profits!

Why Choose Strawberry Mint?

Strawberry mint is a fast-growing herb, ready to harvest in 3–4 months, with high demand in local and global markets. Fresh leaves sell for KSh 500–800 per kg in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, while dried leaves or essential oils fetch up to KSh 6,600 per kg in export markets like Europe and the USA. Its low maintenance and Kenya’s ideal climate make it a smart choice for farmers.

Ideal Growing Conditions in Kenya

Strawberry mint thrives in many Kenyan regions:

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

Tip: Use straw mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent waterlogging.

How to Grow Strawberry Mint

Source Quality Plants: Get KEPHIS-certified runners or cuttings from Organic 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 better drainage.
Plant: Sow runners 5–10 cm deep, 20–30 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart, during rainy seasons (March–April or October–November). 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

Strawberry mint’s sweet scent repels some pests, but stay vigilant:

Aphids: Use neem oil (1 tsp/liter) or introduce ladybugs.
Spider Mites: Increase humidity; spray neem or miticidal soap.
Rust: Improve air flow; apply sulfur-based fungicides.
Root Rot: Ensure drainage with raised beds.

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

Health Benefits and Uses

Strawberry mint is both delicious and beneficial:

Culinary: Adds a strawberry-mint zing to teas, desserts, and cocktails.
Medicinal: Eases digestion and stress in herbal teas.
Cosmetics: Essential oils enhance soaps and skincare with cooling properties.

Caution: Dilute oils to prevent skin irritation.

Cashing in on Strawberry Mint

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 maximize profits. Kenya’s growing herb market and export channels make strawberry mint a winner.