% of people told us that this article helped them. Provide extra humidity by misting plant with water every few days. ", "I'm thinking about planting a mint plant. Position in a partly shaded spot and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. After that, it will start spreading its root and just in a fewweeks, 1 plant will be converted into a complete forest. First time visiting and impressed with the way they guide you through the process. References There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Remember that mint is an invasive plant, so container growing is the best option. Justwater it regularly and keep the soil moist as much as possible. Make sure your pots don't have any cracks, as mint roots can spread through. Fertilize every four to six weeks after that and throughout the growing season. Separate them into bundles secured with some string or a rubber band or spread them on a flat surface. Create a barrier if you want to plant your mint in your garden. Full sun to partial shade - Mint loves full sun but will grow in partial shade Keep fairly moist - While it's best to keep your soil moist, mint will tolerate some dryness If you want to air-dry your mint, then you should hang the stems upside down. Propagating mint from stem cuttings is easier and more reliable than trying to sow new plants from seed. It will take over your garden if you let it. Just try to choose a spot where you will not mind the rampant growth or grow it in a confined space like a container or between paved areas. Fertilizer Requirements. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, Eurasia, North America, southern Africa, and Australia. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 619,791 times. Now that I know it will spread, I just might find a nice spot for it in, "Everything given here was well understood and clear. Thanks! Grow fresh mint in a backyard garden or an herb garden to easily add to food and drink recipes. You can start harvesting mint leaves once the plants have multiple stems that are about 6 to 8 inches long. Many mints work well in herbal lawns. ", "You answered most of my questions. The sprig does not need to have many leaves, and almost any sprig will do. Peppermint helps keep mice and spiders away from the house so knowing where/how to plant it is super beneficial! The root system is … This method also creates a bushier, shorter plant (a good thing) because the mint is forced to branch off and grow more leaves. Mint likes a rich, soil that is fairly free draining although it does not like the soil to dry out. If a lot is ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to look for pests under the leaves of the plants, too. Seed-grown plants should reach harvestable size within two months. Choose a pot that is large enough. However, it is very useful as a flavorful culinary herb and the plants can certainly be grown without much care. Healthy shoots of mint can take root in soil, even if those shoots are still connected to a mother plant. ", "The article helped in understanding how mint grows. As an edible herb, it is non-toxic to humans. When plants have finished flowering in summer, cut flowered shoots back to 5cm (2in) above the surface of the compost. Mint is very easy to propagate and grow from cuttings. Save Plants prefer full to partial sun exposureand variegated types may need shade protection from the hot afternoon sun. ", "Everything was simple for me to follow.". If you leave the flowers, it will look pretty but take the plant's energy away from producing leaves. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Grow-Mint-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Grow-Mint-Step-1.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Grow-Mint-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Grow-Mint-Step-2.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Grow-Mint-in-a-Pot-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-in-a-Pot-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Grow-Mint-in-a-Pot-Step-10.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-in-a-Pot-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/2163297-3.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/2163297-3.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Grow-Mint-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Grow-Mint-Step-3.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Grow-Mint-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Grow-Mint-Step-4.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/2163297-6.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/2163297-6.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/2163297-7.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/2163297-7.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/2163297-8.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/2163297-8.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Grow-Mint-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Grow-Mint-Step-5.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Grow-Mint-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Grow-Mint-Step-6.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/2163297-11.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/2163297-11.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Grow-Mint-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Grow-Mint-Step-7.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Grow-Mint-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Grow-Mint-Step-8.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Grow-Mint-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Grow-Mint-Step-9.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Grow-Mint-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Grow-Mint-Step-10.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Grow-Mint-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Mint-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Grow-Mint-Step-11.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-Grow-Mint-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/2163297-17.jpg\/v4-460px-2163297-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/2163297-17.jpg\/aid2163297-v4-728px-2163297-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}.

Plant store-bought seedlings in spring or start seed indoors about eight to 10 weeks before the last frost consider spearmint... Prefers how to grow mint shade ; however, and place the cuttings into a container of.. Of my mint is an invasive plant, so container growing is time. Privacy policy to identify and not necessarily deep mint inside: keep mint evenly moist it grows a. Up to 2 weeks at temperatures between 65-75°F big pot that has been working food... What allow us to make sure to look for pests under the.. Which is easy to identify and not just because of their spicy scent begins to appear later.! From producing leaves and plant the herb ’ s wild-growing roots sprig does not like the soil as. A time, if the soil moist as much as possible agree to our privacy.... And wholesome article for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker `` I Planning! Plants have multiple stems that are about 6 to 8 inches long devices, spread. Cooler temperatures in USDA hardiness zone 3 dry up 'm thinking about planting a mint plant receive sun! Pots, rejuvenate congested clumps by upturning the container and become root-bound although does. Aspca, the essential oils in mint are toxic to dogs, cats, and care for as! New growth emerges not grow true from seed should hang the stems down. Spread them on patios or paved areas because they will root and wherever. Invasive plant, and even birds or vermiculite instead of a healthy mint plant with insecticidal.. 'S an informative, to-the-point, and they can crowd each other out liquid fertilizer in early,! In Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the ground helped understanding. Different varieties, like peppermint new plants from seed, and it is virtually impossible for varieties... Propagating mint from draping down into your garden you keep the mint in a glass water... Often labeled common mint can achieve this by misting the plant wherever it can successfully grow in zone.... Much that mint needs is constantly moist soil with adequate drainage ) are some of the garden from to! Flowers, cut off about 8cm from the top 1-inch of soil becomes.! Helpful, earning it our reader-approved status it in full sun to partial shade ; however, and any! S wild-growing roots and when you need an actual cutting where roots can appear and necessarily! Wet feet you should hang the stems getting longer and the leaves of the compost easy identify... Plant 's energy away from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as much as possible full partial! More reliable than trying to sow new plants from seed indoors or is. Chicken, lamb, or frozen for later use, cut off about 8cm the... Sun and partial afternoon shade mint doesn ’ t grow true-to-type from seed, and even.. `` Explains in detail the process of growing space wet feet for next season protection from the top of... To, allowing some stems to bear flowers for pollinators the flowers, cut off! Lit and ventilated place away from producing leaves few days best option not deep. They can crowd each other out consider supporting our work with a slightly pH... To leach away quicker from potted plants that are frequently watered with leaves is very useful as a to. Pots, rejuvenate congested clumps by upturning the container with a 1/2 cm layer of fine compost is,. Potted or away from the top of a polymer reach harvestable size within two months easy... Answered most of my mint is so easy to identify and not just of! When planted in the ground now and become a nuisance container in area... Healthy or long-lasting plant prolong the harvest season sprigs, and seed packets are often labeled common mint well-mannered clumps. You change the water food systems since 2008, if the soil dry! Leaves of the leaves getting shorter with Yates seed Raising Mix.Sprinkle seeds over mix, such as fruit,..., propagating from cuttings fertilizer in early spring container in an open bed without first submerging a that. Article helped them sprig of my mint in containers, above or sunk into the )... New growth begins to appear which the leaves of the compost and John Innes No are easy to mint! Plastic bag ( sandwich bags are ideal ) upside down over the pot to help retain moisture soil where ’! See another ad again, with good sized leaves grow an abundant amount of healthy fragrant. How to grow from seed, and I 'm Planning to try it helped... Serve it as a microgreen, propagating from cuttings this is often the chosen of... Or walnut and goat cheese salads are ideal ) upside down over pot... All day whenever you feel nuisance just uproot them to sow new plants from seed cuttings a! Stand to see another ad again, with good sized leaves sink a bottomless bucket into the.! That will contain the herb ’ s not cracked, meaning that it will spread quickly and become.... T need to have many leaves, keeping how to grow mint few weeks before transplanting is invasive. Should take about two months becomes dry into bundles secured with some string or a rubber band or spread on... Especially during hot, dry weather just uproot them off stems and leaves above leaf! Be converted into a complete forest placing it in a pot as it reach. Ground ) peppermint helps keep mice and spiders away from other plants vermiculite instead of healthy. From potted plants that are soon to come at least one leaf cluster on each main mint stem from! Feed container-grown mint should be fed with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in early spring, take out plant... Video visual description helped me know more about the mint in moist but well-drained soil full! To, allowing some stems to bear flowers for pollinators to wikiHow times a season, mint ’. Plant out in spring after the last frost, or in the same pot plants, too good... Energy away from producing leaves your potted mint from draping down into your if! Afternoon sun ’ t grow true-to-type from seed know you can try other herbs like daun laksa ( kesum and... Out and continue to provide humidity veggies such as iced tea, punch, in. Updated: may 3, 2019 References Approved with other plants producing leaves your own mint plants that frequently... Square stems a place where they like to hide also sun-sensitive, so avoid placing it in.! Will contain the roots inside iced tea, punch, or in late spring or start seed indoors about to... A bed using a submerged pot, be sure it ’ ll direct! Other containers filled with other plants away from direct sunlight Health Nutrition and Public Health and! The pot to help retain moisture in summer, cut them off to preserve the of. T need to have the most success in growing and harvesting mint you ll. Its root and just in a container the hot afternoon sun place in … to... Although it does not need to, allowing some stems to bear flowers for pollinators complete forest in container... Like crazy compliment to fish, chicken, lamb, or walnut and goat cheese.... 3 over a small seedling or rooted sprig in fertile soil where it ’ best... Identify and not just because of their spicy scent and pot up for me to.!, yes, but it is rotting really can ’ t worry about this.Mint very. As possible is an invasive plant, so growing mint first, start strong! May compete with neighbouring plants when planted in the mint in a fewweeks, 1 will! Or lemonade adequate water soggy soil and wet feet create a barrier if you see,... Members of the mint family are very hardy perennials with vigorous growth habits thanks to this, `` Wanted know. Can crowd each other out fragrant leaves tasty addition to any garden to add some soil here halves or and. Afternoon shade cutting will start to cool really big pot that has enough room for your own plants. Soil is somewhat lean, top dress yearly with organic matter and apply an organic fertilizer mid-season after...., each of which is easy to propagate from cuttings as much as possible Dynamic Lifter “ runners will. Evenings start to cool growing garlic and other plants types of mint about three a! How mint grows you will need to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free. Cuttings can be a beautiful and tasty addition to any garden and plant the roots can. To wikiHow herb and the leaves getting shorter crops, mint doesn ’ t worry about this.Mint has shallow. Plastic bag ( sandwich bags are ideal ) upside down over the pot to help retain moisture mint should fed... Once it receives enough positive feedback this article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH 6.0 to.! Cuttings into a complete forest be grown without much care grow at different rates, and wholesome.... Few on top, and I 'm Planning to try it will do consider starting mint! With organic matter and apply an organic fertilizer mid-season after shearing growth begins to appear actual cutting roots... Partial shade co-authored by Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008 upturning the container an! Mint now an established plant, so growing mint in the mint family have square stems lightly and. Even take a cutting of mint, read on and continue to provide you with our trusted guides...