Growing Mint, also Garden mint

Mentha spicata : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing Mint in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in trays and plant out or start from cuttings. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Cut leaves from top with scissors.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbages, Tomatoes
  • Mint leaf

Although mint can be grown from seeds, cuttings are a faster, more reliable option.
Cuttings can be planted directly when danger of frost is past. Mint can be grown in pots outdoors or indoors.

Mint prefers damp, partly shaded areas and once established will grow for many years. Mint dies down in Winter and sends up new shoots in Spring.

Mint is a rampant grower and will take over a garden bed if not restrained.

One way to contain mint is to use an old bottomless bucket pushed into the ground. The mint won't be able to put its roots out sideways, so will take longer to spread. If grown in a pot, mint needs to be watered regularly to keep it healthy.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Mint

Mint adds a fresh flavour if chopped and sprinkled over salads. And is traditionally used mixed with vinegar and sugar to make mint sauce for lamb.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Dec 24, Lin Ying Mak (Australia - temperate climate)
All my mint (peppermint, mint) tend to get rust, is it unavoidable?
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26 Mar 23, Carl (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What mint/spear varieties can be grown in Kennedale Texas, I believe zone 8a? Thank you!
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02 Apr 23, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Remember, mint likes it VERY wet. I had mint growing in an area I can only describe as a flood zone.... it actually made it's way over to the flood zone (it was a few feet to the other side) -- this area floods in the morning (outside water usage channeled that way) and it DOES NOT DRY (mud spot/wet spot)... sometimes at all, sometimes by about 3:00pm. The mint took over and out competed all the other "bog" type plants. When I think of Texas, I think TOO DRY -- but maybe not. I am not from Texas, I'm in a wet/humid 8a - my mint is in semi-shade...... all varieties grow, all varieties become very tough competition for other plants.... maybe almost invasive here.
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22 Jul 22, Martha Armstrong (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Chocolate mint seeds here. Can they be sown in the Fall here in Florida's Gulf Coast?
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05 Mar 22, Carol Howard (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Looking for tips on growing peppermint in my zone (9b) due to the extreme summertime heat and poor ground soil conditions in my yard Need info on watering, soil, feeding, & light for best results & healthy plants
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20 Mar 22, Cynthia (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in zone 9B, Inland Empire. First off I suggest you grow any kind of mint in a pot, as it is highly invasive. I live in a really hot area, so I grow my mint were it only gets morning sun, otherwise it fries, and becomes filled with white fly's.
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16 Mar 22, Elder (USA - Zone 7b climate)
My best advice: Peppermint is hardy, grows in poor soil and drought tolerant. I do recommend planting in a container, even then once the roots work their way out of the weeping holes you will have it where ever it sat or where ever the trails touch the ground long enough to take root if it isn't trimmed regularly. VERY invasive species and that goes for all of the Mint Family. It will ruin a Garden/vegetable bed quickly. Due to the extreme heat you might try a little experiment. Plant some it in full sun, some in partial, and full shade to find whats best in your conditions.
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09 Mar 22, anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Suggest you do some internet research on improving your soil, when to water, light requirements, and fertilising.
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01 Apr 21, Kathleen (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Will mint grow in shady area under tree with some sun. I am in zone 8b and it is hot and humid.
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06 Apr 21, Anon (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Read the comments here, www.gardenate.com/plant/Mint?zone=12
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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