Mint is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family).The exact distinction between species is unclear; it is estimated that 13 to 24 species exist. Hybridization occurs naturally where some species range overlap. Many hybrids and cultivars are known.
The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.
The species that makes up the genus Mint are widely distributed and can be found in many environments. Most grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, some mints are considered invasive.
A vigorous grower and spreader, mint has enjoyed a long history of use in cuisine, traditional medicine, and aromatherapy.
Its name is derived from a story in Greek Mythology. Minthe was a beautiful and lonely water nymph who fell in love with Hades, the god of the dead and king of the underworld. When his wife, Queen Persephone, discovered their affair, she transformed Minthe into a mint plant in revenge.
Found thriving next to lakes, rivers, and other freshwater sources on every continent, mint prefers a cool, moist, and partially shaded spot in the garden. But because mint is so highly adaptable, it will grow well in practically any setting.
Mint is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, overwintering in temperatures as low as -20°F. But when you don’t want to forgo a fresh source of mint through the winter, it’s easy enough to bring mint indoors.
And since mint is such a versatile herb, it’s well worth a spot on a sunny windowsill.
Mint Varieties:
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)
- Chocolate Mint (Mentha piperita ‘Chocolate’)
- Orange Mint (Mentha piperita citrata)
- Lavender Mint (Mentha piperita ‘Lavendula’)
Mint Growing Conditions
Mint is an easy enough plant to care for, indoors and out.
When cultivating this herb inside, there are a few things you must keep in mind so that your mint plant is happy and productive.
Light Requirements
Although mint can tolerate partial shade outdoors, in an indoor setting mint will need a good supply of sunlight to grow well.
Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil
Mint grows best in lighter soil with a pH of 6 to 7. It should also drain well while still retaining moisture.
You can purchase organic seed starting mixes or make your own by mixing peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts.
Water
Mint loves the water so it’s critical to keep the soil moist, but not too wet.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and add a thin layer of mulch on the surface of the soil to reduce evaporative water loss.
Fertilizer
Like other herbs, mint shouldn’t need much fertilization. In fact, fertilizing too often can lead to less tasty foliage. If you think your mint plant needs a boost, use a very dilute compost tea or fish emulsion.
If you overdo it, flush out accumulated fertilizer and salts by running plain tap water through the soil for several minutes.
How to Grow Mint Indoors
From Cutting
The simplest way to propagate a mint plant for indoor growing is to take some cuttings from an existing plant.
Choose mint sprigs that are several inches in length with new growth at the tip. Cut just below the axil, where the branching nodes meet the stem.
Place cuttings in a glass of water and set it in a spot that receives indirect sunlight. Roots will emerge in about two weeks.
From Division
Because mint roots grow so close to the surface of the soil, it’s really easy to dig up part of an established plant to make a brand new indoor plant.
If dividing an outdoor mint plant, be sure to remove all soil from the roots to avoid introducing bugs to your indoor spaces.
Rinse the entire plant under the tap, paying extra care to the roots. Soak the plant in soapy water for 20 minutes before planting in fresh soilless mix.
From Seed
Growing mint from seeds is more challenging than cuttings or division, but it can be done. In general, mint has a low germination rate and hybrids are much less likely to grow true to type.
To increase the chances of success, try to stick to simple varieties, like spearmint.
Sow seeds over a soilless mix, ¼ inch deep. Mist the soil with a spray bottle and set it in a sunny location. Keep the soil evenly moist by giving it a spritz or two each day.
After a few weeks, the seeds should sprout but will be quite fragile. Take care when watering and allow seedlings to become well established before transplanting into another pot.
To give yourself the best chance of growing mint from seed, ensure you purchase high quality seeds.
How to Harvest Mint
You can start harvesting from your mint plant as soon as it is about 4 inches tall. Frequent pruning also helps keep the plant productive and give it a fuller, bushier shape.
Younger growth is more flavorful than older, woody sprigs. Cut lengths of mint as you need them, leaving 1 inch of stem at the soil line.
You can prune mint in much the same way as you prune basil.
Although mint is best when it’s fresh, you can place cuttings in water to keep them from wilting before you’re ready to use them.
Hang bunches to air dry or put them in a bag to freeze for later use.