Small white and green swirled glass pot on granite-style background with leafy mint plant. Small stack of coins in the foreground

How To Grow Mint Plants

Updated on Mar 18, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

The fresh scent of mint is often used in aromatherapy, and the dried herb is popular as an herbal tea. It's also used in many sweet and savory dishes. It does spread enthusiastically, so it's best for constrained areas and is an ideal candidate for container gardens.

HISTORY

The origins of mint (Mentha) lie in the Mediterranean. It was popularly used by ancient Greeks and Romans as perfume, in wine, and in sauces and other dishes. During the Middle Ages in Europe, it was strewn across dirt floors as a room deodorizer.  It was  European settlers later brought mint to America where it is still a beloved garden companion. Today mint can be found in many temperate areas throughout the world.

USES

  • Used in tea and other beverages, eaten fresh, and added to recipes.
Small but leafy mint plant in a tiny pale green pot with several coins to the right of the pot, all on a white surface.Small but leafy mint plant in a tiny pale green pot with several coins to the right of the pot, all on a white surface.

 

  • Choose a location in full to partial sun.
  • After the danger of frost has passed, plant in a pot or other contained area.
  • Keep in mind mint will spread vigorously.
Two small mint plants in swirled green and white glass containers, with two small piles of coins in foreground on marble style table with pale blue background..Two small mint plants in swirled green and white glass containers, with two small piles of coins in foreground on marble style table with pale blue background..

 

  • Keep soil consistently moist.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer, regularly.
  • Once established, harvest stems often to encourage new growth.
Small green glass pot on white background with trailing mint plant in varying shades of green. Small stack of coins in the foregroundSmall green glass pot on white background with trailing mint plant in varying shades of green. Small stack of coins in the foreground

 

  • Let flower spikes fully mature.
  • Remove spikes when flowers are dry.
  • Place spikes in a bag and shake to dislodge the seeds.
  • Alternatively, you can roll the flower spikes between your thumb and index finger over a plate to break the seeds free.
  • Separate the seeds from chaff.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to plant.
Small mint seedling in square of soil, lying horizontally on marble tabletop with coins to the center and right side of plant.Small mint seedling in square of soil, lying horizontally on marble tabletop with coins to the center and right side of plant.