Mint plants (Menthaspp.)
are veryhardy perennialsthat can be grown indoors in containers or outdoors in the garden.
Mint plants produce small white or purple summer-blooming flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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Mint is toxic to animals.Learn mint plant care so it’s possible for you to enjoy this versatile plant.
The plant favors fertile soil enriched withcompost.
Two plants should be enough to cover a few feet of ground, as mint grows fast.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Growing Mint Indoors
Choose a 12-inch wide container to give the plant room to grow.
Use soil with low fertilizer formulated for edible plants.
Keep the soil moist and note that indoor mint plants may struggle in low humidity.
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Mint will grow in full sun if watered frequently and somewhat protected from the strong afternoon sun.
Mint plants like water but waterlogged soil can rot their roots.
Water mint in the morning so it stays moist as temperatures rise.
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Wilting foliage means the plant needs water.
Temperature and Humidity
Mint tolerates various temperatures but it can depend on the variety.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) handles heat well and grows in USDA hardiness zone 11.
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Most mints are fine with average humidity outdoors.
Fertilizer
Pollination
Mint plants cross-pollinate, which could result in hybrid seeds.
To keep your mint plants from producing hybrid seeds, grow them separately in different containers or garden beds.
Types of Mint
The manytypes of minthave a range of appearances and flavors.
Popular mint varieties include:
Mint vs.
It has a lemony scent with a twist of mint.
Lemon balm also has larger leaves and grows taller than mint.
Mature mint can be harvested in the summer and fall before the shoots die back.
Mint can also be chopped and frozen to maintain its aroma.
How to Grow Mint in Pots
Growing mint in containerskeeps it from spreading rampantly in your garden.
Repot the mint once it becomes root-bound.
Choose an unglazed clay container with ample drainage holes to allow excess moisture to escape.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
If you don’t harvest your mint regularly, it will benefit from a shearing midseason.
It’s important to note that some mint varieties are hybrids and will not grow true to seed.
To grow mint from seed, lightly cover the seed with potting soil.
Keep the soil moist until the seed germinates, which takes about 10 to 15 days.
Plants started from seed should reach harvestable size within two months.
Overwintering
It’s difficult to kill a mint plant, even in the winter.
Overwinter potted mint indoors before the threat of frost.
Inspect the plant regularly for pests.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Mint is usually not affected by pests or diseases.
Mint plants can sometimes contract rust, which appears as small orange spots on the undersides of leaves.
Use a fungicide, and have a go at allow plants to dry between waterings.
Cut mint from the top of the stem to keep it growing.
Pick the top mint leaves when harvesting because they will have the most intense mint flavor.
Overwatered mint plants may have limp, browning leaves (dry, crisp brown leaves signal underwatering).
An overwatered mint plant may also have soft yellow leaves or a squishy stem.
Stop watering to dry out the soil.
You may need to replant the mint in fresh dry soil to avoid root rot.
