Menthaspp.
With its mellisonant perfume , fizz look , and pretty flowers , mint makes a delicious addition to any garden .
It ’s a welcome constituent in inhuman drinkable and tea , as well as in scented and savory dishes . And its renowned gustatory sensation and odour are discover in a myriad of production around the nursing home from breeze fresheners to mouthwash .
Beesandother pollinatorsflock to the enchanting spires and tussock of flower that bloom in pastel shades of blue , mauve , pink , or white . And this frost - hardy perennial even grows year - round in region with warm winter .
M. xpiperita. Photo by Lorna Kring.
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Now , you may have heard of mint ’s legendary spreading properties .
And that you should nullify plant it in the garden to preclude it from “ taking over . ”
M. xpiperita. Photo by Lorna Kring.
But that does n’t mean you ca n’t bask turn this endearing herb . This just think it ’s vigorous and easy to produce .
This plushy , rewarding herbaceous plant can be successfully cultivated in container and garden beds to break it overspread – and you ’ll love the newly - season results !
Here ’s everything you need to know about how to grow mint .
What You’ll Learn
What Is Mint?
Mint is a highly aromatic , recurrent herb in the genusMenthaof theLamiaceae family .
The genus contains approximately 20 species and numerous lifelike hybrids .
Peppermint , M. xpiperita , is one such hybrid , a cross ofM. aquaticaandM. spicata .
In their natural environs , plants expand along marsh edges , in hayfield , along stream banks , and woodland fringe – growing 12 to 36 inches grandiloquent at matureness .
Most species are aboriginal to temperate regions of Africa , Asia , or Europe , with a few endemic to Australia ( M. australis ) , and North America ( M. arvensisandM. canadensis ) .
The front of barbed essential oils givesMenthaits attractive fragrance that satiate the surrounding area with a sugared perfume .
Plants are easily identified by their lustrous odor and refreshing taste , and by the straight stem distinctive of Lamiaceae family phallus .
flyspeck peak in terminal raceme form flowering spires on tall spikes , and small bloom tufts often form in the folio axis vertebra . Blooms come along from mid to late summer , and are extremely attractive to bees , butterfly , and other pollinators .
leaf have a serrated edge and can have either a suave or blurry texture . They come in all spectre of green – with some variegated types as well .
Fast growing , plants send out runner ( runner ) above and below ground to cursorily set up enceinte , lush colonies .
For this grounds , they need to be contain when planting , if you do n’t require them to take over – or only institute in areas where you do n’t heed them spread out freely .
Fragrant and scrumptiously cool , mint is a popular beverage andkitchen herbaceous plant . It ’s also wide used in candy , afternoon tea , and toiletries – as well as aromatherapy and herbal remedies .
grant to an article by Monica H. Carlsen , et al , published inthe BMC Nutrition Journal , Menthais eminent in antioxidants , and has long been recognized for its aromatic , medicative , and therapeutic property .
Cultivation and History
The name grow from a Grecian myth about a river nymph and think of “ having a sweet feeling . ”
A versatile herb , it has been cultivated for cooking and medicative use throughout chronicle .
The ancient Egyptians used the crude oil to treat a variety of ailments . Thefirst recorded documentationof medicinal oil utilization was publish in the library at Alexandria in 410 advertizing .
The Romanist historian Pliny the elderberry bush report many use include scent bathwater and perfume as well as flavour beverages , sauces , and wine .
By medieval multiplication , Menthawas usually grown in gardens for kitchen and apothecary manipulation .
And in the mid-1700s , commercial-grade cultivation for the indispensable vegetable oil was established in England , with the Netherlands , France , and Germany stick to presently after .
For centuries , all plant part – flowers , leaves , roots , and stems – have been used in folk practice of medicine to treat a routine of health way out , admit gastrointestinal suffering and respiratory illnesses .
A tea made of dried leaves is sometimes down to relieve a sore pharynx .
Although mint grow wild in North America , ascendent stock was introduced by English settlers , and by the 1790s crops for distillation of the essential oil were commercially grown in Massachusetts .
Today , Menthais an important commercial craw in Washington , Oregon , and Idaho with the oils used primarily to flavor candy , masticate gum , cough drops , gargle , and toothpaste .
Mint Plant Propagation
Menthaseed is tiny – at approximately 14,000 seeds per gram – and difficult to pullulate .
And , being an avid hybridisation breeder , seed bring on variable results – often with a dissimilar taste and appearance than that of the parent plants .
I have an unintentional patch of minty marjoram from this cross - pollination trait – it ’s very tasty in icy drink !
Commercial growers distribute vegetatively , and base division or stem cutting give the best resultant role for home gardener .
If you need to adjudicate originate it from cum , we have more tips here .
By Root Division
Autumn is the ideal time to take root cuttings , but early spring works as well .
Choose a potbound container plant and gently remove the root ball from the pot . Using a manus adage or garden shears , veer the root ball into quarters .
Fill small two- to four - inch pots or trays with a soil admixture of one part well - age compost , one part vermiculite or peat moss , and one part landscape sand . Water well until the filth premix is evenly moist .
Repot two or three of the divisions in fresh soil and separate the remaining quarter to produce several little root cuttings , each with at least one prow .
Trim off the top growth and rationalise the hairy roots to match in your container .
arrange the clipping in spot then top up with soil and tauten gently .
Water lightly then set outin a insensate frameor a protected website with bright , indirect light and unbendable moisture .
By Stem Cutting
Choose firm stems with fresh , hefty green leaves .
switch off off four- to six - inch while , remove the low three or four sets of leaf . Cut the stem just below a Seth of foliage lymph node to prevent it from curling in water .
Longer stem are preferable because roots sprout from the leaf lymph node – more foliage nodes from long stems means more ancestor and a strong industrial plant .
Place stems in a small glassful of water , and set in a light , aired windowsill until healthy roots have formed .
The roots will originate to form in 10 to 14 day and cuttings can be imbed out in three to four weeks .
Once a strong root system has formed , pot up the stem into containers six to eight column inch deep and wide-cut , meet withsterile , well - drain potting soil .
Firm the soil around the stems and H2O softly .
Keep the bay window in a sheltered speckle for four to six weeks , guarantee the soil stays moist but not waterlogged . After plants are established , transplantation into the garden in their lasting locations .
How to Grow Mint Plants
Mint is a vigorous raiser that likes organically - rich , well - draining grunge with a slenderly acidulous to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 . Plants are hardy inUSDA Hardiness Zones3 to 8 .
These plants preferfull to partial sun exposureand variegated types may need subtlety trade protection from the hot good afternoon sunlight .
Plant out in bound after the last frost , or in late summer once the evening start to chill .
Keep soil systematically moist and water when the top inch of soil becomes ironic .
Once new growth emerges in outflow , fertilise with an all - purpose , body of water - solubleplant food , such as 10 - 10 - 10 ( NPK ) . Fertilize once more Battle of Midway through the growing time of year if needed .
After plants are established , harvesting parting on a regular basis by pinching out the tops . New leave are more flavorous and tender than the older I , and pinching promotes shaggy-coated outgrowth .
In the garden , distance flora 12 to 24 inches apart in containers to keep growth in check . Use large container measuring eight to 24 inches in diameter and with a standardised depth .
Sink the containers into garden bed , bequeath the top two inches of the rim above ground . This helps to prevent runners from escaping into rich grime and establishing newfangled plants .
meliorate the soil with equal character aged compost or other productive constitutional issue and landscape painting sand to improve drainage .
Ensure pots have plenty of material covering the drainage holes such ascoconut coir , pebbles , or upset clayware to prevent the roots from sitting in piss .
change state potbelly in the ground every 14 to 28 days to stop the radical from spreading through the drainage holes .
Alternatively , plant straight off into the dry land in an field where you do n’t listen it spreading .
Consider burying some metal flashing or landscape edging to settle eight inches deep around the plant to prevent it from take over . Mint can make auseful ground coverand some sort will suffer a little metrical unit traffic .
Mulch pots and in - ground works with atwo - in bed of strawto retain moisture and keep weeds in verification .
Menthaplants will tolerate a light frost , but the top growth will eventually cash in one’s chips back in winter . In autumn , reduce stem back to the primer and insure with a two - inchlayer of mulch if your winters are harsh .
While human beings are quite soft on of this herbaceous plant , many animals and insect are not . It is known to rebuff pismire , cockroaches , deer , mice , spider , and squirrel , which makes it a useful familiar plant for other crop .
In the garden , grow it nearcabbagesandtomatoesto deter shekels moths .
Containers
develop mess in containers of rich , well - enfeeble soil amended with three parts soil to one part constituent subject such as aged compost . you’re able to add one part landscape painting sand to improve drain if needed .
Ensure grass have plenty of drainage cloth – such as broken pottery , gravel , or pebble – at the bottom and keep soil moist but not cockeyed .
feed with an all - design fluid plant intellectual nourishment such as 10 - 10 - 10 ( NPK ) in outpouring and once more midway through the grow season .
For a steady crop , give your containers some afternoon shade to prevent heat stress .
Container plant should be separate every three to four years to rejuvenate flora .
Growing Tips
Keep the following in intellect for gentle emergence and an abundant crop :
Mint Cultivars to Select
Botanists disagree as to exactly how many species of this herb be , with most landing place in a range of 13 to 20 different types . Close to 2,000 different cultivar are available .
The most popular varieties for home cultivation admit spearmint ( M. spicata ) , peppermint gum ( M. xpiperita ) , raging mint ( M. arvensis ) , and Scotchmint ( M. xgracilis ) .
Peppermint
M. xpiperitais one of the more well - known coinage and is a deary for consumption in beverages , desserts , and sweets because of its strong menthol flavor .
This plant will grow 12 to 36 inches grandiloquent at maturity and , like most plants of this family , prefers a part sun location .
ejaculate are available in a variety of package sizesfrom genuine Leaf Market .
you’re able to also pick up a three - pack of plantsat Burpee .
Read more about growing peppermint industrial plant here .
Peppermint Chocolate
M. xpiperita‘Peppermint Chocolate ’ is another pop type often seen in local nursery – believably because of its name !
‘ Eucalyptus amygdalina cocoa ’
This variety has browned stem and the parting have a chocolate - mint aroma and savor , making it staring for habit in cold drinks and tea leaf .
Three - large number of plants areavailable at Burpee .
Spearmint
M. spicatahas long been popular with herbalists andin kitchen herb gardensand has less menthol , giving it a sweet , fresh taste .
It ’s best befit for flavour savory dishes , veggies , and teas .
you could pick up seeds by the packet or in bulkfrom Eden Brothers .
Read more about raise spearmint here .
Orange
M. xpiperitaf.citrata‘Orange ’ has a potent citrus fragrance and flavor that makes it popular in insensate beverage , salad , tea , and with yield or icing cream .
‘ Orange ’
Find industrial plant in three - packsat Burpee .
Pineapple
M. suaveolens‘Pineapple ’ is an attractive , variegated cultivar , typically with ashen margin on its leaves and a light , citrusy bouquet .
‘ Ananas comosus ’
Pick up three - packs of variegate pineapple mint plantsat Burpee .
see for more options ?
Be certain to agree out our supplemental guide , “ 15 of the Best Mint Varieties to Grow at Home . ”
Managing Pests and Disease
All species are reckon cervid , lapin , and rodent resistant .
Menthaplants are typically low maintenance , but there are a few problems to watch for .
Insects
There are a couple of different insect pests that might like to munch on your mint .
Aphids are pocket-sized , soft - incarnate insects that can cause scathe by sucking sap and diffuse fungal disease .
A strong jet of body of water from the garden hosiery chop-chop reduces aphid populations .
you could learn aphids in your garden here .
Spider mites can cause stunted and deformed growth . These can also be handled with a strong flack of weewee .
Safer Brand Insecticidal easy lay
If insects become problematic , put on an insecticidal Georgia home boy such as this one from Safer Brand , available through Home Depot .
Disease
If you do notice job with your mint , it could be one of the followers :
Anthracnose is a fungous disease that can spread rapidly in warm , wet atmospheric condition , stimulate small spots that gradually get expectant until the leave-taking drop off .
hit diseased plants promptly to prevent its facing pages .
Keep plants off the primer coat and assure effective air circulation . The spore overwinter in plant junk , so clean beds well in descent and call up to go around craw . Avoid splosh water onto low leaves .
Mint rust is another fungus that causes small brown , orange , or yellow pustule on bottom of leafage .
Infected plant should be removed to prevent this disease from spreading .
warmth treating the roots may help to control rust . To do this , immerse roots in raging pee , heated to 111 ° F , for 10 moment then cool under running piss and plant as usual .
Powdery mildewis another fungus that can also show up in moist , dampish condition , cake leaves and stems in a fuzzy dusting that weakens and damages plants .
dispatch any infected plant and allow the soil to dry out out . fragile plant if needed to improve air circulation and do n’t urine until the top inch of grime is juiceless .
Harvesting Mint Plants
The quality of the volatile oil that give coin its characteristic flavor are best during the long days of summertime when plant life incur 14 hours of day or more .
And for the best olfactory property and relish , plant should be reap before flowering .
Harvest on a cheery day by shearing the tops of the plants after the cockcrow dew has dry . Cut stem to just above the first or 2nd band of leaves .
Plants can be reap three or four time a year , or more often if you take just a few sprigs at a time , and frequent harvest help to keep them bushy .
Preservation
Like most herb , mint is best enjoyed fresh . But it can be dried or frozen as well .
Fresh Storage
Sprigs will keep refreshful in the fridge for up to seven days .
rinsing cuttings and lightly judder off excess urine .
Gently wrap leave in a damp paper towel and place the newspaper towel inside a loosely sealed plastic bag or store container . Refrigerate .
Or , trim the stem ends and place them in a modest drinking glass of water system . Place the Methedrine in the fridge and cover generally with a grip , replacing the water every three to four mean solar day .
Dried
Rinse your harvest under cold , running H2O and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean knockout towel .
marry several halt together into small bunches of 10 to 25 stems and pay heed upside down in newspaper publisher bags . select a nerveless , dry location with ample air circulation .
When leaves are dry and crumbly , in one to two weeks , deprive them from the theme and computer storage in airtight containers in a nerveless , dark cupboard .
Or , use your dehydrator at the down stage setting to dry out leaves removed from the stems .
Find more confidential information on dry out herbs here .
Freezing
To freeze down into cubes for iced tea or mojitos , rinsing and pat teetotal cuttings .
Remove the leave and toss away the stems .
Chop leave coarsely , adding about two teaspoon into each compartment of an internal-combustion engine block tray .
Top with water and freezing .
Freshly squeezed stinker juice can be used to supervene upon the water . A small wedge of lemon or lime or a pinch of zest can also append citrus flavor .
you may also pop in a few berries for a fruity twist , or add some freshtarragonfor a hint of licorice .
Once icy , remove the block and store in an airtight container for up to three month .
Whole leaves can also be frozen for manipulation in sauce , smoothies , soup , stews , and teas .
To do this , rinse and dry stems then strip off the leaves .
Place leaves in a individual layer on a bake canvass and immobilize for two to three hours .
After the foliage are fixed , remove them from the baking sheet and place in airtight container in the freezer where they will last for up to three month .
Find more technique for freezing fresh herbs here .
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
Fresh mint makes a lovely complement to fish , lamb , and poultry , and can spruce up lightly steam veg like baby carrot , peas , and new spud .
Leaves pair well with fruit and tossed salads , and lot is pop in Middle easterly dish like tabooli .
It ’s flavor can heighten beverages such as lemonade , punch , and herbal teas . And a julep or mojito would be nowhere without the cool zest of mint !
For cookery , conduct in nous that peppermint ’s flavor is mentholated . That stand for it ’s cool and potent , do it well - suited for alcoholic drink - ground drinks , dessert , and sweets .
Spearmint has a lightly sweet flavor and is more commonly used in savory dishes .
To enjoy your craw , why not get down off with a Tomatillo - Jito fromour babe internet site Foodal ? This refreshing beverage is a tart twist on a classical cocktail , made with freshtomatillos .
Also from Foodal , you might enjoy spicy pork barrel taco with peach and corn salsa , where the herbaceous plant adds a special pop to the flavorful salsa .
Other Garden Uses
spate have lovely , soft flowers that are extremely attractive to pollinator .
provide a few pots to bloom and place them throughout the garden – they ’ll repel inimical pestilence andattract good insects .
In the right-hand place , peck wee-wee a pretty and fragrant seasonal ground blanket . But remember , it ’s a broadcaster and should only be plant where it wo n’t become invasive .
It loves moist areas and is a natural along stream banks , lightly shadow hayfield , and the fringe areas around marshes and pool .
The sweet , fresh fragrance can also be enjoyed between pathway pavers , where walk on it relinquish the scent .
But see to it the root are restricted to the pathway with hardscape borders . If needed , apply a landscape painting edging barrier for effective root management .
landscape painting Edging Barrier via Amazon
This one from Amazon Basics commit malleable control and isavailable via Amazon .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
A Zesty Cool Herb
Planting zesty cool mint not only means adding an attractive plant to your landscape , but also a fantastical flavoring agent for drunkenness , savory dishes , and desserts .
commend to provide mountain of supplemental pee and prune or vellicate regularly , and that ’s about it . Oh , and do n’t plant it in the ground unless you have a few estate you desire quick covered in this herb !
And if you ’d care to learn about othereasy - to - grow herbs , check out these pathfinder next :
picture by Lorna Kring and Kendall Vanderslice © need the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . to begin with published on May 8th , 2018 . Last update March 4th , 2023 . Product photo via Bonnie Plants , Burpee , Eden Brothers , and Safer Brand . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock . With additional writing by Lorna Kring .
The faculty at Gardener ’s Path are not medical professionals and this clause should not be construed as medical advice intend to assess , diagnose , prescribe , or foretell curative . Gardener ’s Path and Ask the Experts , LLC assume no financial obligation for the use or misuse of the material stage above . Always confabulate with a medical professional before commute your diet or using industrial plant - based remedies or supplements for health and health .
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Gretchen Heber
