Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata) - Root Cuttings

Discover the vibrant and versatile Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata), a unique herb that brings a burst of flavor and cultural richness to your garden and kitchen. Known by many names—Diep Ca in Vietnam, Dokudami in Japan, and Zhe-Ergen in China—this perennial plant has been cherished across Southern and Eastern Asia for centuries, both as a culinary delight and a symbol of resilience and renewal.

Cultural Significance

Fish Mint is deeply woven into the fabric of Asian traditions. In Japan, its heart-shaped leaves are celebrated in art and kimonos, symbolizing spring, rebirth, and purity. Across Vietnam, it’s a staple in fresh salads and noodle dishes, embodying the harmony of bold flavors and natural vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fish Mint has long been revered for its potential to soothe inflammation, support digestion, and promote overall wellness. This herb isn’t just a plant—it’s a living piece of heritage, connecting you to ancient culinary and medicinal practices.

Easy to Grow

We highly recommend growing this is pots as it can be invasive in some situations. It has been banned some municipalities.

Fish Mint is a gardener’s dream—hardy, low-maintenance, and eager to thrive. We ship fresh root cuttings, giving you a head start on growing this remarkable herb. For best results, propagate your cuttings indoors in a moist, well-draining medium until roots establish, or plant them directly into a pot with rich, damp soil. This fast-growing perennial loves moist conditions and can flourish in full sun or partial shade, making it perfect for containers (we grow it under greenhouse benches) Keep it watered, and it’ll take off with minimal effort! In colder climates, start indoors or bring it inside during winter for year-round growth.

Flavor & Uses

With its distinctive fishy, peppery taste and citrusy undertones, Fish Mint adds an unforgettable twist to your dishes. Toss the tender leaves into salads, stir-fries, or spring rolls, or use the crisp, edible roots in chutneys and soups. It’s a natural substitute for fish sauce, bringing an authentic Asian flair to your cooking. Beyond the kitchen, brew the leaves into a traditional herbal tea for a refreshing, earthy sip steeped in history.

Why You’ll Love It

• Unique Flavor: A bold, fishy zest with hints of citrus and spice.
• Effortless Growth: Thrives with minimal care from root cuttings.
• Cultural Connection: A taste of Asia’s rich traditions in every leaf.
• Versatile: Perfect for cooking, teas, or as an ornamental ground cover.

Shipping & Planting Details

We ship bundles of either 5 or 10 healthy Fish Mint root cuttings, ready to grow. Propagate them indoors for a strong start, or plant directly into a well-prepared bed with moist, fertile soil. With a little water and care, you’ll soon have a flourishing patch of this extraordinary herb.