West Coast Seeds - Peruvian Black Mint Seeds

Peruvian Black Mint, also known as Huacatay, is a highly aromatic South American herb with a distinctive flavour often described as a combination of mint, basil, tarragon, and citrus. An essential ingredient in traditional Peruvian cooking, its fragrant leaves are used in sauces, marinades, stews, and potato dishes, including the classic green sauce known as ají verde. Vigorous and easy to grow in warm conditions, Huacatay also produces masses of small flowers that attract beneficial pollinators.

Why you’ll love it:

• Distinctive aromatic flavour combining mint, basil, tarragon, and citrus notes
• Traditional culinary herb widely used in Peruvian cuisine
• Excellent for sauces, marinades, stews, potatoes, and grilled dishes
• Key herb for authentic Huacatay sauces and ají verde
• Vigorous, productive plants provide plenty of fresh foliage
• Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators

Growing Information:

• Botanical Name: Tagetes minuta
• Plant Type: Annual herb
• Season: Warm season
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Germination: Approximately 7–14 days
• Plant Height: Approximately 120–180 cm
• Growing Habit: Tall, vigorous, upright growth

Seed Details:

• Seed Type: Open pollinated
• Also Known As: Huacatay, Peruvian Black Mint
• Special Characteristics: Intensely aromatic foliage with a complex minty, herbal flavour
• Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects

Suggested Uses:
Start seeds indoors before the last spring frost and transplant outdoors once temperatures are reliably warm and the risk of frost has passed. Plant in full sun and provide adequate space for its vigorous growth. Harvest young leaves and tender stems throughout the growing season and use them fresh in traditional Peruvian sauces, marinades, potato dishes, stews, grilled meats, and other savoury recipes. Huacatay can also be blended with chilies, cilantro, lime, and other ingredients to make flavourful green sauces.

Seed packet includes planting instructions. Results may vary based on growing conditions.