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

06 Mar 16, carole jones (USA - Zone 5b climate)
in streator ill and does anyone ever grow ginseng have the seeds no information how do start to plant . can then be planted outside.
11 Oct 19, MS. DANA L. FOX (USA - Zone 9a climate)
WHICH TYPE OF MINT SHOULD I PLANT OUTSIDE TO HELP REPEL BLACK ANTS? WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BUY IT AT IN THE FRESNO CALIFORNIA AREA? THANK YOU DANA
11 Jan 20, Lori (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Can I grow peppermint here if it does not get anything but Morning Sun and lots of water? I just caught a mouse eating all of my ginger and tumeric rhizomes that I spent 8 hrs planting
17 Jan 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I used to live in zone 9 and when I grew mint in those conditions (morning sun, plenty of water) it grew like a beast and took over most of my garden. So--yes, it should do great...but be careful what you wish for!
15 Oct 20, Kathleen (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I was just given 2 mint plants, can Ikeep them indoors and plant outside in Spring?
19 Oct 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Read the notes here it tells you.
20 Oct 20, Perla (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I have mine in my patio (which gets sun in the morning only). It's been there for 1 1/2 yr. and seems to thrive every season so far. Mint is super invasive, so make sure to keep them in their own pot or container, otherwise, it will take over your other plants.
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.
06 Apr 21, Anon (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Read the comments here, www.gardenate.com/plant/Mint?zone=12
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
Showing 1 - 10 of 16 comments

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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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