- Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in light soil with good drainage.
- Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks.
- Most will grow in sun or partial shade; the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.
- For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) about 2 feet apart in moist soil. ...
- Mint is a vigorous grower and needs to be contained or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden. ...
- If you fine with mint becoming a ground cover and understand that it may become invasive, plant in its own raised bed or separate area.
- In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes —in pots, again, in order to prevent it from spreading and stealing nutrients from your crops!
What are the best conditions for growing mint?
Mint varieties and types
- Morning sun, shade in the afternoon
- A moist soil
- Remember it goes dormant in winter
- If you are growing in a container, repot each year, mint has a vigorous root system and depletes the soil in a small pot or container. Divide and repot
What is the best way to grow mint?
- USDA Zones: 5 to 9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun in the North, partial shade in the South
- Height: 24 to 36 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich, and moist
How to successfully grow mint?
Mint Care
- Light. Mint plants prefer part shade, though you can grow it in full sun if you water it frequently. ...
- Soil. Mint prefers a rich soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. ...
- Water. One thing mint needs is constantly moist soil with adequate drainage. ...
- Temperature and Humidity. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
What type of soil should I use for Mint?
What type of soil should I use for mint? Plant mint in full sun or part shade. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Mint adapts to many soil types, but develops the best foliage in soil that has been enriched with a 2-inch-thick layer of compost. Frequent cutting keeps mint looking attractive.
See more
What is the best place to plant mint?
Plant mint in full sun or part shade. It can adapt to just about any type of soil but develops the best foliage in moist, well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost. Keep the area around mint free of weeds.
Where should you not plant mint?
What can you not plant with mint? Avoid planting lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme near mint. Some other bad mint companions include basil, chamomile, and parsley, along with most common herbs. Also, because mint can be invasive, you should not plant mint directly in the ground unless it's free to roam.
Does mint grow well in pots?
Most types of mint take well to container growth, providing lush leaves that you can use in recipes and simply enjoy the scent of. You can even grow mint in a container indoors near a bright window. Or keep a pot on your patio just outside your kitchen for easy access when you're cooking.
What side of the house do you plant mint?
Indirect sunlight exposure. Unlike many herbs and houseplants, mint thrives in indirect sunlight versus full sun and even grows well in partial shade. Choose east-facing windows in spring and summer and west-facing windows in fall and winter.
What grows well next to mint?
Companion Plants to Grow With MintOregano and marigolds. In combination with mint, pungent, spicy oregano and marigold spread an aromatic forcefield across any vegetable garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.Carrots. ... Cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. ... Tomatoes and eggplants. ... Peas and beans.
Does mint grow back every year?
Potted mint plants also regrow every year, so they survive for many years. Unless the potting soil is very poor, this plant should last for more than 5 years. It is recommended to replant mint into fresh soil every 2-3 years to enhance its rich flavor and aroma.
How often should I water mint?
After you've planted the roots, you may wonder how often do you need to water mint plant pots. A mint plant needs a lot of water, so you should hydrate it one to two times a day.
How do you make mint bushy?
Sprinkle the soil with a little time-release fertilizer if you wish. Water in the plants well. Finally, positioning your fingers like mine in the photo at left, pinch off the top two to four leaves on each plant. This will make the mint branch out and become bushy.
How do you trim mint so it keeps growing?
'Prune mint above a leaf node to encourage new stems. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than a third of the plant to limit stress. Once mint is well established, pruning weekly is encouraged to keep the plant tidy and productive,' she continues.
Is mint toxic to dogs?
Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly.
Do mint plants spread?
Mint Can Only Move So Fast This is a mint plant that is just starting to spread after one year in the ground. Mint will spread from its underground roots, and can cover great distances and go under obstacles to get to where it wants to go, so keep that in mind when planting.
Can I plant mint around my house?
Mint needs full sun or partial shade to thrive, meaning that it would not grow well on the shady, north-facing side of your house.
Will mint choke out other plants?
Mint is a fast-growing plant that spreads low to the ground, often smothering other plants. In order to prevent mint from taking over your garden: Plant mint in a pot or window planter instead of in your garden bed.
Will mint take over your garden?
Like cilantro and basil, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow; however, its roots, which are called “runners,” are incredibly invasive: they quickly grow, sprouting new leaves and new plants as they go. Mint will overtake a flower bed or garden in no time if you're not careful.
Can you plant mint near tomatoes?
Mint. Mint makes a wonderful companion to your tomatoes. Just be sure to contain it in pots, or it can go a little nuts, and become invasive. If planting tomatoes in a container garden, this is not a problem and you can plant your mint right under the tomato vines.
Will mint choke out weeds?
Mint has gained a poor reputation amongst many gardeners. The mere mention of it will bring forth warnings about how invasive and weed-like it can be, choking out all other plants and herbs in the vicinity.
How to grow mint indoors?
If you are growing your mint indoors, increase humidity by misting the plant between waterings or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. This is especially necessary during the dry winter months.
What is the best zone for mint?
Spearmint ( Mentha spicata) handles the heat best and can grow in zone 11. If you are growing your mint indoors, increase humidity by misting the plant between waterings or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. This is especially necessary during the dry winter months.
What is the tangiest mint?
Mentha piperita citrata: Orange mint is one of the tangiest of the fruit-flavored mints. It grows in zones 4 to 11.
What zone does spearmint grow in?
Spearmint ( Mentha spicata) handles the heat best and can grow in zone 11. If you are growing your mint indoors, increase humidity by misting the plant between waterings or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. This is especially necessary during the dry winter months.
What is the flavor of Mentha piperita?
Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate': Chocolate mint, a first cousin of peppermint, has leaves with a minty-chocolate flavor and aroma.
What causes orange spots on mint leaves?
Common Pests and Diseases. Mint can sometimes get rust, which appears as small orange spots on the undersides of leaves. Use an organic fungicide and try to allow plants to dry between waterings. 2 Stressed plants may also be bothered by whitefly, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Article Sources.
How to propagate mint from cuttings?
Propagating mint by cuttings is a simple task. It’s a cost-effective way to create new plants, and it even allows you to bring small plants indoors to continue growing for the winter. Propagation is best done in the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing and before it has bloomed. The easiest propagation method is via taking cuttings. Here’s how: 1 Use sterilized scissors or pruning sheers to cut healthy a piece of stem roughly 4 to 6 inches long. 2 Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. 3 Place the stem either in a container filled with water or a small pot filled with moistened potting mix. The cutting should root easily in either scenario. Put the container in bright, indirect light. 4 The rooting process generally takes a couple weeks. When rooting in water, change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Once roots grow to a few inches long, plant the cutting in soil. When rooting in soil, water to keep the soil lightly moist. You’ll know roots have formed when you can gently tug on the stem and feel resistance. After that, you can replant the mint in the garden or another container if you wish.
How do I plant mint in the ground?
If you want to plant in the ground, you can sink a 10-gallon container into the earth, leaving 2-inches of the container sticking out.
Where does mint grow?
In the wild, mint grows in cool, moist, semi-shady areas along creeks and in wetlands. Once it finds a place it likes, it tends to latch on and never let go. In the garden, this can be a negative or a positive, so be sure to consider your needs and location before planting.
What is the best mint to grow in Zone 5?
Apple mint is more of a warm weather mint and does best in zone 5 and above. It’s tolerant of sunny locations as long as it’s well watered and has good soil. Lavender Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Lavender’) – This plant has a red stem like the peppermint but has a distinct lavender scent.
What to do with mint juleps?
Mint juleps on warm Derby Day. Hot tea when you have a miserable cold. Chocolate dessert with a minty surprise inside. Mint can do it all. The easy-to-grow herb is an indispensable plant that can be used for flavoring, as natural health care and as a cool refreshment on a sunny day.
How to grow mint from seed?
You can grow mint from seeds, cuttings or purchased plants. Mint doesn’t grow true-to-type from seed, and seed packets are often labeled common mint. Start mint seed s indoors in pots a few weeks before transplanting. Germination takes up to 2 weeks at temperatures between 65-75°F.
How long does it take for mint to grow?
Mint takes 70 days to reach maturity, but you can start harvesting leaves once the plant is established. Your mint plant will get bushy and 3-feet or so tall at maturity.
How to grow mint from cuttings?
Mint is easy to grow through cuttings. Take a 6-inch cutting from a friend’s mint plant. If you can dig down and get some roots, it will make your job easier. When you get it home, lay the cutting horizontally and lightly cover with soil. Keep the soil moist.
How to propagate mints?
The best way to propagate mints is by taking cuttings from those that you like best. It’s easy—take 6-inch cuttings of rooted stems and plant them horizontally in the soil. Mint stems will also root in a glass of water. Start with a small cutting from an established plant.
How to tell if mint is a perennial?
Mint is a perennial herb with very fragrant, toothed leaves and tiny purple, pink, or white flowers. There are many varieties of mint—all fragrant, whether shiny or fuzzy, smooth or crinkled, bright green or variegated. However, you can always tell a member of the mint family by its square stem. Rolling it between your fingers, you’ll notice a pungent scent and think of candy, sweet teas, or maybe even mint juleps.
What is the best mint for salad?
Serious cooks generally prefer spearmint for savory dishes and peppermint for desserts. For a delicate mint taste in fruit salads, yogurt, or tea, try apple or orange mint. Mint lurks in the background in Middle Eastern salads, such as tabouli, and does well with lamb. It also goes with peas, zucchini, fresh beans, marinades for summer vegetables, cold soups, fruit salads, and cheese.
How long does it take for peppermint to grow?
Unless you block the advance, a pert peppermint plant can turn into a sprawling 4-foot giant in just 1 year. It’s not the stuff of horror movies, however. Mints benefit from picking and pruning. They are shallow-rooted and easy to pull out, so there’s no reason to worry, as long as you provide physical barriers such as walls, walkways, or containers.
How many times can you harvest mint?
You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season. You can also just pick the leaves as you need them. You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. If you want to dry them, it’s best to cut the leaves right before flowering. Store the dried leaves in an airtight container.
What does mint mean?
Mint is a symbol for virtue. Find out more plant meanings here.
Is mint good for tea?
Not only does mint add fruity, aromatic flavor to foods and tea, but also it’s useful for health remedies such as aiding digestion and relieving headaches. All you need to do is confine this spreading perennial herb to a container or confined bed to keep it from taking over your yard! See tips on planting, growing, and controlling mint!
Quick Guide to Growing Mint
Plant mint in spring after the last frost. This fast-growing herb can grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor gardens.
Soil, Planting, and Care for Growing Mint
First, start off strong by planting young Bonnie Plants® mint plants. After all, you can't go wrong with a company that's been supplying plants to home gardeners for over 100 years! Plant mint in the spring, or in the fall in frost-free climates, setting seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart.
Troubleshooting when Growing Mint
Although mint is a rugged plant, when it is young it is vulnerable to whiteflies, blackflies, spider mites, snails, and slugs.
How to Harvest Mint
Harvest mint leaves at any size by pinching off stems. For a large harvest, wait until just before the plant blooms, when the flavour is most intense, then cut the whole plant to just above the first or second set of leaves. In the process, you will remove the yellowing lower leaves and promote bushier growth.
How to Use and Store Mint
Fresh mint leaves are a nice complement to lamb, fish, poultry, and vegetables such as peas, new potatoes, and carrots. Mint also blends well with green or fruit salads and beverages such as punch, lemonade, and tea. Two very well-known drinks, mint julep and Cuban mojito, both depend on spearmint for their cool zest.
FAQs
Absolutely. Set one plant in a pot that's about 12 to 14 inches in diameter, preferably one that will withstand freezing winter temperatures. Choose a quality potting mix, and consider adding a water-retaining polymer at the rate recommended on the label. Keep the pot watered when the surface is dry, and enjoy cutting your mint.
How many varieties of mint are there?
It is a hardy perennial herb and grows quickly, often becoming invasive. There are over 3,500 varieties with special characteristics which makes variety selection important. Once you have your cultivar, sowing mint seeds at the right time will ensure a big, beautiful crop of this versatile herb.
How long does it take for a plant to acclimate to the outdoors?
Once the little plants are ready to transplant, take containers outdoors and let them acclimate for a week to outdoor conditions before moving them.
Can you grow mint in containers?
You can also grow mint in containers and start indoors at any time. The key to growing mint from seed is well-draining soil that mimics the natural soils of the plant’s native region. Mint prefers slightly acidic, moist, rich soil.
Can mint be grown from seed?
Growing mint from seed is easy and the little plants really take off once installed in a garden bed. Here are a few tips on starting mint seeds so you can enjoy these fragrant herbs in your landscape.
Can mint be aggressive?
A balanced plant food with a 16-16-16 ratio is ideal. Do not over fertilize, as it can diminish oil production and lead to disease issues. Mint can be aggressive so it may be best to plant it in containers or in an out of the way area of the garden.
Can mint be planted in containers?
Mint can be aggressive so it may be best to plant it in containers or in an out of the way area of the garden. Alternatively, you can let it ramble around where human contact will release the oils and perfume the area with a heavenly scent. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 03/01/21.
Does mint attract bees?
Image by xtrekx. You don’t have to be a fan of lamb or mojitos to love the scent and flavor of mint. Having it nearby in the garden attracts bees and allows you to access that zippy aroma and refreshing flavor for teas, seasonings, pest repellent, and even household deodorizing.
How to grow mint from seed?
Place your mint seedling in the container. Using a small trowel and/or your fingers, make a small opening in the soil. Carefully place your mint seedling into this opening. Move the soil around your seedling so that the roots are no longer exposed, and your seedling can stand up.
How to propagate a mint plant from a cutting?
Propagate a new mint plant from a cutting. Trim a 4 in (10 cm) sprig from an existing mint plant, about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) above a junction. Place the trimming in a glass of water, and wait about 1 week. Small white roots should begin appearing under water. Wait another 2-7 days to allow the roots to develop.
What is the most common type of mint?
Some varieties of mint include sweet mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint, and peppermint. Spearmint and peppermint are the most common. Spearmint is often used in baking and cooking. Peppermint is used more often for drinks, like mojitos and hot chocolate.
How to save mint leaves?
Save mint leaves in an airtight container, like a jar or a small plastic bag.
How long does it take for mint to grow?
Harvest your mint leaves. Give your new mint plant anywhere from 2-6 weeks to get established. Then begin plucking off leaves as you need them. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant at one time, as this can prevent proper regrowth.
How to raise pH of mint plant?
Use a test kit to make sure your soil falls within this optimal range. To lower the pH of your soil, add some compost, composted manure, or acidic mulch. To raise the pH of your soil, add pelletized lime or wood ash.
How to grow mint in a ceramic planter?
Mint plants needs a lot of width to grow effectively, but they don’t need a great deal of depth. For each mint plant, look for a container at least 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) wide . Ceramic planters are porous and lose moisture easily.
How to grow mint in pots?
This is the easiest and most dependable way to grow mint in pots. Fill a container with quality potting mix. Any type of container is fine as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom and measures at least 12 inches (30 cm.) in diameter. Mix a little time-release fertilizer into the soil before planting mint, and again every spring.
How much sun does mint need?
Once the plant is safely in the pot, put it where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Mint tolerates a little shade but thrives in full sunlight. Water container-grown mint whenever the top inch (2.5 cm.) of potting mix feels dry to the touch. Mint can tolerate a bit of dry soil but not long periods of drought.
Is mint a good herb?
Mint is an attractive, useful herb and the aroma is nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, it isn’t always well behaved and when its grown in the garden, this pretty little plant tends to be a bit of a bully. Mint container growing is an option if you’re concerned about the aggressive nature of this rambunctious plant or if you just don’t have ...
Can mint grow in dry soil?
Mint can tolerate a bit of dry soil but not long periods of drought. If you’re growing potted mint plants outdoors check the pot daily during hot, dry weather. Pinch the tips of mint regularly to promote bushier, fuller growth. If the plant begins to look spindly, cut it back by at least half.
Can you grow mint from seed?
It’s possible to grow mint from seed, although germination is undependable. If you want to give it a try, plant seeds for growing indoors any time of year, but be sure they have plenty of warmth and sunlight. If you’re not interested in planting seeds, purchase a small mint plant at a nursery that specializes in herbs.
Can you grow mint in a container?
Mint container growing is an option if you’re concerned about the aggressive nature of this rambunctious plant or if you just don’t have space for an herb garden. Place potted mint plants on your front step where you can snip the leaves as needed or grow mint in containers indoors.
Where should I plant mint in my garden?
Mints love moisture. If you want your mint plant to produce healthy leaves, you should plant them in soil that is wet but well-drained. It can be moved to the garden later but for the seedling stage, grow it in a garden.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
Gardeners advise that you should pinch their leaves to get a bushier mint plant. When you notice a few leaves coming out, pinch them so that they can get bigger.
What can you not plant next to mint?
Mint is not a lover of herbs. It detests herbaceous plants like Sage, Rosemary, thyme. You should never grow the both of them together as it will hinder their growth.
Why is my mint plant so leggy?
Mint needs sunlight to have healthy growth. When you don’t expose your plant to too much sunlight, the stems start to weaken and become leggy.
What insects does mint attract?
Growing flowering plants to your mint can attract hoverflies, bees but these are insects that are beneficial to the plant. While it welcomes these flies, it will do a good job in repelling moths, mice, and bugs.
What insect will eat mint?
Caterpillar is no respecter of mint plant. They will nibble at and destroy your plant but not to worry. You can get rid of them by spraying an insecticide and you will never find your mint leaves designed into various shapes again.
How do you dig and replant mint?
For an herbaceous plant, the root is considered to have strong roots. That is why it is referred to as a vigorous plant. The roots can be 24 inches into the ground. Yes, it’s that deep.
When does mint bloom?
Mint plants flower every summer, and if you are concerned about your mint blooming, we can assure you that it is pretty normal.
Why is my mint flowering?
Why is my mint flowering? The natural life cycle of the mint plant includes flowering toward the end of summer. Flowering is an indication that your mint plant is healthy and ready to produce seeds. Because mint is perennial, flowering does not signal death, but flowering mint may have diminished minty flavor.
Why does my mint plant bolt?
It usually happens when the mint plant is exposed to higher temperatures or other stimuli that encourage bolting.
How many different types of mint are there?
More than 7,500 different species of mint plants exist. They belong to the Lamiaceae family, and some even grow as trees and shrubs!
What are mint leaves used for?
They can be used in salads, drinks, and other dishes where mint leaves are usually used.
How long does mint live?
Mint is a hardy perennial, which means it lives for two or more years under suitable conditions. Mint plants can be propagated with either seeds or by rooting a cutting.
What is mint bush?
Mint is an evergreen bush that comes in many varieties.
