VIETNAMESE MINT
Persicaria odorata
The essential herb for authentic Southeast Asian flavour.
Vietnamese Mint is a fragrant herb with a hot, peppery taste.
Vietnamese Mint is not actually part of the mint family, but has some resemblance to the mints in its appearance and growth habits. It has a distinctive black V on the leaf.
Does very well in a herb wicking bed and in containers. I personally wouldn't plant directly in the garden as it spreads easily.
Vietnamese Mint is especially popular in rice paper rolls, laksa, and in hot Vietnamese soups.
Vietnamese Mint, also known as Laksa Leaf, is a sprawling perennial herb with a strong, spicy, and peppery flavour. It is not a true mint but has a similar growth habit.
It features vibrant green, pointed leaves, sometimes with a distinctive dark, chevron-shaped marking. It produces tiny pink flowers on small spikes.
We recommend planting in a consistently moist to boggy soil, in a position with morning sun and afternoon shade. It thrives in humid conditions.
It's frost-sensitive and grows vigorously in warm weather, making it an excellent choice for planting near a pond or in a self-watering pot.
It has a creeping habit and will spread to form a dense ground cover in ideal conditions.
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth and maintain a compact plant.
A must-have for any lover of Vietnamese, Malaysian, or Singaporean cuisine.
PRICE: $6.00
SIZE: 5cm radius seedling
Vietnamese Mint
Persicaria odorata
Australian History
Vietnamese Mint was introduced to Australia along with the wave of Southeast Asian immigration. Its popularity grew rapidly with the rise of Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine, and it is now a commonly grown and sought-after herb in Australian home gardens and markets.
Australian Uses
In Australia, its primary use is culinary. It is famously known as 'laksa leaf' and is essential for an authentic bowl of laksa. It's also chopped fresh into salads, noodle dishes, and summer rolls to provide a distinctive, spicy kick that sets it apart from traditional mint or coriander.
Australian Growing Guide
This herb is easy to grow in Australia provided its need for water is met. It prefers a damp, rich soil and thrives in the warmer, more humid parts of the country. In cooler areas, grow it in a pot to bring indoors during winter. It performs best in part-shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil never dries out.
Australian Landscaping
An excellent ground cover for damp or boggy spots in the garden where other plants might struggle. It's perfect for planting around ponds, in rain gardens, or in low-lying areas. Its lush, spreading foliage can quickly cover an area. Grow in a container to control its spread if space is limited.
Australian Companion Plants
Given its love for moisture, it grows well with other water-loving plants like taro, watercress, and some ferns. It is generally grown in a dedicated patch or pot to ensure it has the consistently moist conditions it requires to flourish.
Australian Disease Resistance
Vietnamese Mint is very hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases. Its main vulnerability is drying out, which causes leaves to yellow and wilt. Ensure consistent moisture to keep the plant healthy and productive. It is otherwise a very low-maintenance herb.