Thanks for reminding me about this plant.
Let's see... The year when I got them, they did OK but did not establish as vigorously as I'd hoped. My fault I think -- I wanted to put them in my Kids' Garden and, at the time, it seemed sunny enough there, but even in the last couple of years, the location has become more shaded. There were only a few flowers. I seem to remember they also became overwhelmed by weeds in the sense that they became stressed and caught what I think was mildew before the season was over. (so I should have planted in much more open sunny spot with better drained soil
)
So yes, to somewhat chocolatey scent but not as much as there could have been. It's said that a whole field (or at least a patch) is needed for good effect. So starting from seeds seems like a good way to go if germination is not difficult. (need to research a bit more there -- one source said up to 90 days to germinate
another said 10-14 days
)
I think I might explore this plant again since it IS a native plant -- currently my criteria for perennials and re-seeding annuals.
...I did a quick look-around and there seem to be several sources for plants as well as seeds that are sold out for this year -- but may be they'll have more next spring after this year's seed harvest.
So how chocolatey does the chocolate mint smell?
