Carmagnola Mint

Description

Immerse your garden in the herbal charm of Carmagnola Mint, a traditional spearmint variety hailing from the Piedmont region of north-western Italy, near the historic town of Carmagnola, just south of Turin. Known for its sweet, classic mint flavour and highly fragrant foliage, this variety is beloved in northern Italian gardens for its versatility in the kitchen, apothecary, and still room.

Perfect for teas, herbal infusions, savoury dishes, and potpourri, Carmagnola brings an authentic taste of Italian botanical heritage to your garden. Its leaves are tender and bright green, with a softly serrated edge and a warm, uplifting scent that enhances everything from mint salsas and lamb marinades to herb butter and fresh garden salads.

The name Carmagnola has a curious historical twist—it also appears in “La Carmagnole,” a famous French Revolutionary song and dance, said to have taken its name from the Piedmontese comune of Carmagnola, where working-class attire (notably the Carmagnole jacket) became symbolic of popular rebellion. This mint may not have danced through the streets of Paris, but it certainly brings a revolutionary freshness to food and fragrance.

Do note, however, that Carmagnola Mint is not reliably winter-hardy in colder parts of the UK. It benefits from protection in winter or container growing, where it can be moved to a sheltered spot during frosts. In milder areas or with some care, it will return year after year, offering a gentle burst of Italian sunshine in every leaf.