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

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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Showing 61 - 64 of 64 comments
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Hi, something has been eating my mint. I had a good look under the leaves and found 2 green caterpillars. I got rid of them but how can I stop more from finding my mint plant??

- Angie

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