Huacatay Seeds – 100 Peruvian Black Mint Herb Seeds for Planting

Huacatay, also known as Peruvian black mint, is a distinctive aromatic herb native to the Andes. Its bold, minty-citrus flavor with hints of basil and tarragon makes it a staple in Peruvian cuisine, especially in dishes like ocopa and ají de gallina. In the garden, huacatay grows into a bushy, fragrant plant with deeply lobed green leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that attract beneficial insects.

This unique culinary herb is easy to grow from seed and thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Whether you are an adventurous cook or a gardener looking to add something new to your herb collection, huacatay offers both flavor and ornamental appeal.

Plant Features

• Aromatic foliage with a bold mint-citrus scent and flavor
• Vigorous, bushy growth habit that fills garden beds or large containers
• Edible leaves used fresh or cooked in traditional Peruvian recipes
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects when in bloom
• Perennial in frost-free climates, grown as an annual elsewhere

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Tagetes minuta
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
• Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow huacatay seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, pressing them lightly into the soil surface without covering deeply, as light aids germination. Keep the growing medium consistently moist and warm, around 65 to 75°F. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden them off and transplant into the garden or a large container.

Huacatay prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Pinch back growing tips to encourage a bushier plant and harvest leaves as needed throughout the season. In cold climates, bring potted plants indoors before the first frost or grow as an annual.

What's Included

100 Huacatay seeds (Peruvian black mint).