Growing Mint, also Garden mint

Mentha spicata : Lamiaceae / the mint family

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

(Best months for growing Mint in Australia - sub-tropical 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 21°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Cut leaves from top with scissors.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbages, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
27 Jan 12, Angela (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. I have a type of white bug/flies on my mint. Does any one know how to get rid of them naturally without spraying chemicals on them? Thanks!
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Mar 12, Matthew (Australia - temperate climate)
You can use Pyrethrum (which is based on the natural pyrethrum daisy extract). I've only use it 'on demand' when there is a problem, and it has incurred no negative effects onon any of my herbs growth or taste. Sunlight dissapates the Pyrethrum left on the leaves over a very short period. Alternatively or in addition, you can hang flying insect 'sticky paper' above and around your plants. Catapillar Larvae are also of concern for Mint, so using these 2 items as well as a $25 bug zapper to capture moths before the damage is done, seems to cover all bases as far as my Herb, Fruit and Vegetable growing is concerned.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Nov 11, Mohan (Australia - temperate climate)
Rust is a type of Fungus caused by heavy rain and overhead watering. It cannot be cured and it is best to destroy the leaves. Please do not put it into the compost bin. Rust can be prevented by watering in the early morning. Apply water at the base of the plant, do not spray it on the plant
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 15, Grub (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've had rust, if you take a cutting from unaffected leaves and start a new plant, it works fine. You don't need to destroy the whole plant, but you will need to start over.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Nov 10, Leanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there My mint always seems to get a type of "rust" on it? Any idea what this might be caused by? Insect or lack of something? Cheers Leanne
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 65 of 65 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Sophie, You could see whether any online seedling / seed companies in Australia ship to your area. This seems to be the best bet for finding interesting varieties. I was able to order quite a few varieties of mint from Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm (www.herbcottage.com.au), however unfortunately they are unable to post plants to WA due to quarantine restrictions (I live in Victoria). My order included pineapple mint and variegated apple mint. I just planted them up today, and they smell so good! Early spring is possibly the best time for sourcing mint seedlings, as they die off over winter and re-sprout in spring (although perhaps in WA they re-sprout earlier). All the best with your search!

- Jodie

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.