If placing the pot in the garden, add a double layer of landscaping cloth inside the pot over the drainage holes to prevent the roots from sneaking out of the container and into the surrounding soil. Your primary maintenance task with mint might be to trim back your plant to prevent its runners from spreading to unwanted places.

Mint prefers to be a ground cover. Pruning back the stems also makes for a bushier and more attractive growth habit. To relieve yourself of major pruning maintenance, grow your mint in a confined location, such as in a pot or between paved areas.

Mint can be propagated by cuttings as a simple, cost-effective way to create new plants. Propagation is best done in the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing and before it has bloomed.

The rooting process takes a couple of weeks. After that, you can transplant the mint into the garden or another container if you wish. Sow seeds outdoors in the late spring once there's no danger of frost, or start seeds indoors about eight to 10 weeks before your area's last projected frost date.

It's important to note that some mint varieties are hybrids and will not grow true to seed. To grow mint from seed, lightly cover the seed with potting soil. Keep the soil moist until the seed germinates, which takes about 10 to 15 days. Plants started from seed should reach harvestable size within two months.

Repot mint once the plant becomes root-bound and you see roots growing up above the soil or through the drainage holes. It's often simplest to take a cutting and start a new plant rather than repotting, as an older plant won't have the best minty flavor.

To repot the plant as a whole, remove it from its pot. Prepare a pot that is one to two sizes larger with fresh potting soil. Gently loosen the roots before replanting it in the new pot, then water it thoroughly and care for the plant as usual.

It's difficult to kill a mint plant, even in the winter. If you have mint planted outdoors, trim them low to the ground, cover with leaves or mulch some gardeners use an old sheet , and leave them alone until springtime.

Overwinter potted mint indoors before the threat of frost. Put the containers in an area that receives bright light, water consistently but do not let the soil become soggy , and inspect the plant regularly for pests. Mint is usually not affected by pests or diseases.

However, stressed plants can be bothered by common garden pests, including whiteflies , spider mites , aphids , and mealybugs. Mint plants can sometimes contract rust, which appears as small orange spots on the undersides of leaves.

Use a fungicide, and try to allow plants to dry between waterings. Mint grows best in partial shade. It can tolerate morning sun, but strong afternoon sun can wilt the foliage.

Mint plants require little maintenance to keep them healthy and vigorous. Provide your mint plants with enough water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and plant them in an area with partial shade. Mint plants grow quickly, typically taking about two months to reach a harvestable size after being planted as seeds.

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By Marie Iannotti. Marie Iannotti. Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator.

Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Reviewed by Debra LaGattuta. Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board. In This Article Expand. Mint vs. Lemon Balm. Growing in Pots.

Growing From Seeds. Pests and Diseases. Common Name Mint Botanical Name Mentha spp. Family Lamiaceae Plant Type Perennial, Herb Size 12—18 in.

tall, 18—24 in. wide Sun Exposure Full sun, Partial sun Soil Type Loamy, Moist, Well-drained Soil pH Acidic, Neutral Bloom Time Summer Hardiness Zones 3—11 USDA Native Area North America, Africa, Australia Toxicity Toxic to pets.

Does mint prefer sun or shade? Are mint plants easy to care for? How fast does mint grow? Related Topics. Article Sources. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

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These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Alternatively, cut away the bottom of a container, and place it into the soil, deep enough to keep the rim of the container above soil level, and part-fill with compost.

This will stop the roots from spreading, which they will do very quickly if allowed, crowding out other plants. Replant the clumps in the container, backfill with soil, and water well until established.

Peppermint plants are best planted out in the spring, ready to put on new growth which can be harvested throughout the summer and autumn. They can also be grown on a windowsill in a small pot, all year round. Because peppermint grows from rampant roots, give careful thought to how you will restrict its growth.

As with other herbs grown for culinary use, keep them within easy reach of the kitchen door. Make sure that the soil is moisture retentive, enriching with Levington® Multi Purpose Compost if needed. Peppermint is fine in full shade, or with full sun, or anywhere in-between.

This will help the plant to retain moisture. Make sure you water peppermint plants well in hot weather, as they do prefer damp conditions. Cut back the entire plant to ground level in the autumn, and then mulch the surface to provide protection and food to the plant.

Prune during the growing season if needed to maintain shape and dig out any roots which have spread. Peppermint is a resilient plant, and it will withstand attacks from a lot of pests and diseases. There are just a few worrying problems to look out for. Verticillium wilt can cause a peppermint plant to suddenly collapse, especially in hot weather.

This is a fungal disease characterised by dark markings on and in the stem, as well as yellowing lower leaves. Remove and destroy any affected material, and ensure the peppermint plant receives adequate watering and a feed in the autumn.

Unfortunately, these beautiful bugs are the destructive Mint leaf beetle. This pest will create holes in the leaves as they chew on the foliage. However, peppermint is so vigorous that it will usually survive a nibble. Rust can cause patches of orangey-yellow to appear on the plant.

Absolutely, yes! They are reputed to aid digestion and are great paired with potatoes and peas. They add a different flavour dimension to salads and drinks and can be made into a refreshing tea by just adding a few leaves to a cup of boiling water.

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Sign up to our newsletter and get expert gardening tips, advice, and inspiration. Start creating your own green oasis today. Breadcrumbs Home Tools Growing guides How to grow peppermint. How to grow peppermint Peppermint, or Mentha × piperita , is super easy to grow.

Types of peppermint plant to grow Peppermint is a cross between two other species of mint - spearmint and watermint. Very dark leaves with a purple tinge and a strong flavour. Slightly reddish stems.

The leaves and stems when rubbed between the fingers smell like a popular chocolate mint sweet. Lots of different varieties, including basil, grapefruit, lemon and orange.

Wrinkley leaves. Lavender scented leaves. Lime aroma and flavour.

Mentha × piperita 'lavendula' or 'lavender mint' features tiny purple flowers and leaves that smell more floral than its cousins. It is often used for teas and potpourris as well as in cosmetic products.

Mentha × piperita 'lime mint' has brownish-green leaves that smell like lime instead of mint. Many use it to garnish summer salads or drinks due to its fruity taste. Mentha × piperita 'variegata' or 'variegated peppermint' smells identical to peppermint, but it features creamy leaf edges. It should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent scorching its leaves.

Peppermint is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As it happens, nearly all species within the mentha genus are toxic. The oils that peppermint plants create are the real culprit. Peppermint oil can cause vomiting and diarrhea for these animals when ingested in large amounts, according to the ASPCA.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested peppermint, you should immediately call your nearest veterinary hospital. Interestingly, for humans, peppermint isn't toxic at all.

In fact, it can be used in many meals, drinks, and desserts as well as for some possible health benefits.

Peppermint tea has been scientifically proven to help with digestion, headaches, menstrual cramps, and stuffy noses, as explained by Healthline.

Peppermint tea is simple to make and could be a delicious start to your mornings. Alternatively, you can use the peppermint you harvest to compliment your favorite fish, or you could add it to your morning mocha. It's amazing how versatile this herb is! When we grow peppermint, most of the time, it is grown in a container or a pot.

Because of this and its ability to spread like crazy, the plant often needs repotting. Lucky for us, the process is fairly simple. Start by choosing your peppermint's new home. This pot should be larger in diameter compared to the last and feature an adequate draining hole, according to The Spruce.

When using new soil, added fertilizer may cause the plant to become leggy. To combat this, you can trim your peppermint regularly to force it into a bushy and compact shape. When a peppermint plant becomes too large for its container, some choose to divide it instead of transplanting it to a bigger pot.

This is beneficial to overgrown plants because it keeps them healthy. If you are going to divide and repot your peppermint, plan to do it in the spring or summer, said Gardener's Path.

To start, gently remove the entire plant from its pot. Gently tease excess soil from the roots to expose them. As you do this, the peppermint plant will likely split naturally. If not, you can carefully cut it into two sections with sterile scissors. Make sure both pieces have healthy growth beneath them.

Place your two sections into individual pots with well-draining soil. Now you are the proud owner of two repotted peppermint plants. Mentha x piperita or peppermint gets its name from Mintha in Latin.

Mintha was a Greek nymph who was turned into a mint plant after angering Persephone, According to Gardener's Path. Piper translates to the word pepper which describes the spicy taste and smell of peppermint's leaves.

For many years, the taste of peppermint leaves has been given to us through peppermint oil. This is made by distilling the plant and extracting its oils. Today, the oil from the peppermint plant is used to flavor several household items such as toothpaste, gum, mouthwash, and even some cosmetics.

In the U. Years ago, Michigan held the highest amount of peppermint production, but it couldn't compete with the climate of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Peppermint loves its moist environment that allows for up to 14 hours of direct sunlight in the summer.

Aside from the fact that your peppermint plant might have taken over your garden, once you get it under control, you'll need to establish some precautions against pests and diseases.

To be effective and better understand this, you need to know what they're susceptible to. As far as disease goes, PlantVillage tells us that peppermint plants are pretty hardy and resist much.

They seem particularly vulnerable, however, to a fungus known as mint rust. It appears as small bumps on the bottom of the leaves, which can be bright orange, yellow or brown in color. Be sure to remove and isolate any plants or rhizomes you know or suspect have it, and heat-treat the roots for about 10 minutes in near-boiling water.

Then immerse the roots under cool running water for about five minutes. After that, you're ready to replant. Moving onto pests of the peppermint plant, we have a few common pests that we want to keep an eye on. It turns out that aphids, thrips, cutworms, and spider mites are all trying to consume the sweet, irresistible leaves of the peppermint plant.

Just your luck, right? The list of living things that feed on other living things is essentially endless, and garden growers everywhere fight the perpetual battle of bugs every year.

It will depend on which pest is pestering your plants to know what pest control measures to take, but there's one thing you can do to give yourself the best odds of winning your battle.

Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. Taking this preventative measure can provide the barrier needed to prevent the bugs from getting to the plants in the first place.

Medical News Today reports that according to actual research, there are multiple health benefits from the peppermint plant we can take advantage of. Peppermint essential oil is often used in remedies, and you can make your own see below , so why not?

Some common ailments that peppermint helps with are indigestion, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Peppermint is known for calming an upset stomach; it's also said to help ease muscle and nerve pain, as well as the pain of menstrual cramps.

Furthermore, it's supposed to help ease symptoms of the common cold and lessen the anxiety caused by depression. Another distinct characteristic of the peppermint plant is that you can use all the different parts of the plant for various health benefits.

You can make peppermint tea or essential oil to use in your tinctures and recipes. You can even chew on the fresh leaves or toss some into a salad! Peppermint steam can be used for cold symptoms like respiratory distress and can help with mucus issues.

It's important to remember that peppermint is an herb, which can interact with some medications. Some medicines it can interfere with are high blood pressure medicines, ulcer medicines, and acid reducers.

Be sure if you plan to grow and use peppermint, you speak to your doctor first to make sure there are no potential issues. If you're interested in growing peppermint and using it for its health benefits and herbal qualities, you'll want to know how to make your own essential oil.

And, lucky for you, it couldn't be easier, according to the Los Angeles Times. Start with fresh peppermint leaves from your plants in your garden for the best results.

Be sure to wash them thoroughly and dry them on paper towels before using them. You only have to decide which base oil, also called carrier oil, you want to use. Los Angeles Times suggests olive oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil; they all have unique added benefits.

It depends on your personal preferences and what you plan to use it for. You'll also need a small jar with a secure lid. Now that you have everything you need, it's time to start choosing the plants you will harvest leaves from.

Start with a few handfuls of fresh leaves, and use a mortar and pestle, if you have one, to crush up the leaves and release the oils from within the plant. Here are a few popular varieties of peppermint.

While peppermint is delicious, it also has potent medicinal properties that help ease the symptoms of common ailments. Peppermint may be considered a common culinary herb, but its antispasmatic, anti-inflammatory and stomachic properties are exceptional.

Peppermint plants provide various uses for the natural medicine cabinet as well. This prolific plant does spread rapidly, and containing it is easy if you manage it right when you put it in the ground.

You can also plant in a planter box or garden pot and grow inside your house next to a south-facing window. The easiest way to grow and care for peppermint is by taking a cutting from an established plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem, and place in a vase of water until roots grow to about 2 inches.

Your cutting is now ready to be transplanted. For best results in planting anything from seed, first, learn how to read seed packets.

Peppermint is an excellent choice when considering growing an herb that benefits your garden and health. If you are ready to learn more about double-duty herbs that can heal your family naturally, the Herbal Medicine Cabinet: Colds and Flu class is designed just for you.

In this masterclass, I have created a simple system that will allow you to confidently stock your herbal medicine cabinet using common herbs to safely, naturally and effectively treat your family this cold and flu season. If you are ready to stop dabbling in herbal remedies and start healing your family this cold and flu season, sign up for instant access today!

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Did you know that you can grow peppermint as a houseplant? Imagine picking your own fresh peppermint for cooking, teas, and drinks whenever you need it.

Growing peppermint indoors year-round is easy given proper care. How convenient would it be to be able to grow peppermint inside for all your culinary needs? Peppermint Mentha x piperita is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 outdoors, but you can easily grow it indoors too, as long as you consider a few things.

One very important aspect to consider in growing peppermint inside is to have the right pot to grow it in. Choose a pot that is wider than it is tall and one that has a drainage hole.

The reason is that peppermint will send out runners and will spread horizontally fairly quickly. As the runners grow, the mint spreads and you will have more to harvest.

There is no need to place more than one plant in a pot because mint plants are very aggressive growers and will quickly fill the pot. Place your peppermint plant right in front of a window and give it as much direct sunshine indoors that you can.

It will need at least four to six hours of direct sun for best results. Southern exposure windows are ideal.

If you lack a sufficiently sunny windowsill, you can easily grow these plants under a grow light or fluorescent light. Indoor mint prefers fairly moist soil. If you notice the foliage of your mint wilting, that's typically a sign the plant needs more moisture.

It's best to water your mint in the morning so it has plenty of moisture during the day as temperatures rise. Mint temperature tolerance depends on the species you are growing, but in general, these plants are widely adaptable.

For example, peppermint Mentha piperita is very cold hardy and is able to tolerate the cool temperatures in USDA hardiness zone 3. Spearmint Mentha spicata handles the heat well and can grow in USDA hardiness zone Mint plants might struggle in low humidity. If you are growing your mint indoors, increase humidity by misting the plant between waterings or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles.

This is especially necessary during the dry winter months. Feed mint plants about once per month every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season if you have nutrient-poor soil.

If you already have rich garden soil, you likely won't have to give your mint any supplemental fertilizer. Container-grown plants and plants grown in nutrient-poor soil will benefit from feeding with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer throughout the growing season, starting in spring when the plants emerge.

Follow the label instructions of your specific fertilizer to dilute it as needed. Mint plants are cross-pollinated, meaning that different varieties will pollinate each other if planted closely.

This results in new seeds that will grow as a hybrid of both plants. To keep your mint plants from producing hybrid seeds, grow them completely separately from each other in different containers or garden beds. Gardeners can encourage cross pollination by growing two varieties of mint together, which will make the plants produce seeds with combined characteristics like taste and smell.

There are many types of mint that come in a range of appearances and flavors. Popular mint varieties include:. Lemon balm is part of the mint family , but it tastes and smells different than other typical types of mints. Because it looks like an oversized mint plant, it is often mistaken for mint.

It has a more lemony scent but with a twist of mint. Lemon balm also has larger leaves and grows taller than mint. Harvest mint leaves once the plant has multiple stems that are 6 to 8 inches long. This amount of growth should take about two months if you are growing plants from seed or less time if you buy nursery plants.

Mature mint can be harvested in summer and fall before the shoots die back. Do not harvest more than a third of a plant at one time, as removing large amounts can weaken the plant. Snip sprigs and leaves as needed. If you don't harvest your mint regularly, it will benefit from a shearing mid-season.

At some point, you will probably notice the stems getting longer and the leaves getting shorter. This is the time to cut the plant back by one-third to one-half.

This will encourage it to send out fresh new foliage again with good-size leaves. Use your freshly harvested mint as garnish for various recipes or in mixed drinks, salads, soups, tea, baked goods, and more. Mint can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days, but its freshest flavors are most prominent within the first day of harvesting.

Mint can also be chopped and frozen to maintain its aroma. An unglazed clay container with ample drainage holes is best because it allows excess soil moisture to escape through the holes and the container walls. Use a quality potting mix and keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Be mindful about where you place the container. Long stems touching surrounding soil might take root. Placing the pot on a patio or paved area is ideal. If placing the pot in the garden, add a double layer of landscaping cloth inside the pot over the drainage holes to prevent the roots from sneaking out of the container and into the surrounding soil.

Your primary maintenance task with mint might be to trim back your plant to prevent its runners from spreading to unwanted places. Mint prefers to be a ground cover.

Pruning back the stems also makes for a bushier and more attractive growth habit. To relieve yourself of major pruning maintenance, grow your mint in a confined location, such as in a pot or between paved areas. Mint can be propagated by cuttings as a simple, cost-effective way to create new plants.

Propagation is best done in the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing and before it has bloomed.

The rooting process takes a couple of weeks. After that, you can transplant the mint into the garden or another container if you wish. Sow seeds outdoors in the late spring once there's no danger of frost, or start seeds indoors about eight to 10 weeks before your area's last projected frost date.

Most will grow in sun or partial shade; the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun. For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants or one or two cuttings from a friend about 2 feet apart in moist soil.

One or two plants will easily cover the ground. Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall. Mint is a vigorous grower and needs to be contained, or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden. You can then sink this pot into the ground or another larger container of soil.

If you are fine with mint becoming a ground cover and understand that it may become invasive, plant in its own raised bed or separate area. In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes —in pots, again, in order to prevent it from spreading and stealing nutrients from your crops!

Check out this video to learn more about how to grow mint. Minimal care is needed for mint. For outdoor plants, use a light mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean. For indoor plants, be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

At first, mints develop into well-behaved—looking, bushy, upright clumps, but they soon set out to conquer new territory with horizontal runners and underground rhizomes.

Unless you block the advance, a peppermint plant can become a sprawling 4-foot giant in just 1 year. Mints benefit from picking and pruning. Recommended Varieties.

citrata Spearmint: Mentha spicata. Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint plants at their best. Young leaves have more flavor than old ones, and mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in spring. Although fresh is best, and sprigs keep for a few days in water, mint leaves can be frozen or air-dried in bunches.

Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season. You can also pick the leaves as you need them. You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.

Store the dried leaves in an airtight container. Propagating Mint The best way to propagate mints is by taking cuttings from those that you like best.

Gardening Products. Wit and Wisdom. To relieve a tension headache, apply a compress of mint leaves to your forehead. Rubbing the oil on your temples will relieve your headache.

Learn more about the medicinal benefits and many uses of mint. Mint is a symbol of virtue. Find out more plant meanings here. Mint can also help to relieve stress and anxiety.

Find out how to use your fresh mint as a calming herb here. Powdery mildew Rust Leaf spot Anthracnose Stem canker Mice dislike the smell of peppermint.

Spread it liberally where you suspect the critters. Mint is also considered a deer-resistant plant. Minted Fruit Mold. Cilantro and Mint Sauce.

If you are direct sowing into the garden or when you are ready to transplant seedlings, wait until the threat of frost is past. Space the peppermint seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart. Because mint has the habit of spreading everywhere, growing peppermint in a pot is a wise choice.

Choose a large pot with adequate draining holes that will accommodate vigorous root growth. Provide your plant with good drainage while also maintaining a moist environment with proper mulching. Potted mint tends to become leggy usually due to a lack of sun or too much fertilizer.

Trim container-grown mint often to maintain a bushy, compact plant, and you will have a healthy plant for years to come. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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List of Partners vendors. How to Grow Peppermint. By Les Engels. Les Engels. Les Engles achieved Master Gardener through the Camden County Extension of the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program. He is an arboretum curator with over 30 years of experience. He describes himself as a "tree-hugging dirt worshipper" who is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Reviewed by Debra LaGattuta. Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board. Trending Videos. In This Article Expand. Propagating Peppermint. Growing from Seed. Growing in Pots. Botanical Name Mentha × piperita Common Name Peppermint Plant Type Herbaceous perennial Mature Size ft.

wide, ft. tall Sun Exposure Full sun Soil Type Adaptable except extremely dry Soil pH Adaptable Bloom Time July to August Flower Color Pink Hardiness Zones Native Area Europe.

Warning Before planting peppermint, be aware of its invasive nature. The 9 Best Herb Garden Kits of , Tested and Reviewed. More from The Spruce. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page.

These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Where and how you plant your peppermint will determine how well it grows and how easy it is to control. After planting, they only need a little care to take off. But, if your goal is to harvest as many leaves as possible to use in the kitchen, a strong soil foundation is essential to avoid slow growth and bare stems.

Peppermint loves well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Mix in organic compost or sand to improve drainage and soil health if you have dense or clay soil. It should maintain some moisture but not so much that it becomes soggy.

When planting in containers, choose a relatively deep and wide pot to give the roots space to spread. For the potting mix, a blend of standard potting soil with a small amount of perlite or sand helps to boost drainage.

Dig a hole 1. Fill in any gaps with remaining soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots and help them spread downwards and outwards. When planting more than one peppermint plant, you can space them about 1. In fact, most of your attention will likely be focused on stopping them from growing so rapidly.

But, with the right care, your peppermint plants will provide a bountiful supply of leaves throughout the year. Peppermint plants prefer a sunny spot and need around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily in moderate climates. Lack of light either indoors or in heavily shaded areas will lead to leggy growth and sparse leaves, leaving you with far less to harvest.

They need a spot right next to a well-lit window, ideally south-facing, where they can get plenty of direct light throughout the day. Rotate your plant every few days to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure and promote even growth.

If you see any signs of a lack of light, such as leggy growth or lack of leaves, give them a sunlight boost, or consider moving your containers outdoors.

Peppermint plants thrive in moist but not soggy soil. They appreciate a deep watering to satisfy the thirsty roots deep down in the soil, left to dry out afterward before their next watering. You can generally water along with the rest of your garden but pay particular attention to your mint patch if temperatures are high.

Continuous overwatering can lead to root rot, an issue that is unfortunately fatal if not resolved. Prevention is always better than trying to nursemaid unhappy plants! Peppermint plants have vigorous root systems and like to stretch deep and wide.

Always water slowly and deeply to encourage the roots to grow downwards and establish a strong foundation for the plant. This will also make them more drought-tolerant and able to withstand sudden temperature increases.

Keep in mind that well-draining soil is a key accomplice in this process. It ensures the water gets to the roots without the soil becoming overly damp or waterlogged. If you notice water pooling at the top around the base of the plant and not draining away, your soil structure needs to be improved.

For indoor peppermint plants, the watering routine is slightly different. Typically, indoor plants dry out slower than their outdoor counterparts, so you need to be cautious not to overwater.

Wait until the top layer of soil is dry before watering again. Use a pot with drainage holes to avoid stagnant water at the bottom that could cause root rot. Like many herbs, peppermint plants prefer a well-draining soil rich in organic matter. They love loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH but can adapt to most soil conditions as long as they drain well.

If your garden soil is heavy clay, you must amend it with compost and sand or perlite to boost drainage. This will improve its texture and fertility, promoting healthier and stronger growth from your peppermint plants.

Soil is the foundation of all other growth, so it should be top of mind before planting anything, including peppermint. When planting peppermint in pots to grow indoors or out, selecting a suitable potting soil is essential. The size of your container also plays a role in how quickly the soil dries out.

Smaller pots will require more frequent watering as they dry out faster, while larger pots retain moisture for longer. Regardless of the pot size, ensure your container has enough drainage holes to remove excess water.

Peppermint plants can handle varied temperatures, although they prefer moderate climates to extreme temperatures. They thrive most in cooler climates but can also tolerate some heat, growing in USDA Zones 3 and above. Extreme heat can cause the plants to wilt or even burn, so ensure they have some shade during the hottest part of the day if you live in a warmer region.

They will also survive a light frost, but extended frosts or extreme cold will damage the leaves and stems. As for humidity, peppermint plants are not fussy.

However, good air circulation is crucial to prevent moisture accumulation on the leaves and subsequent fungal growth if you live in a high-humidity region. Beyond that, they will be happy almost anywhere. They are usually happy with high-quality soil and the occasional boost of compost.

As per the package instructions, a simple application of a balanced fertilizer once a year is usually enough to stimulate plenty of leaf growth. If your plants struggle or the leaves appear dull, a quick dose of low-concentration fertilizer may improve conditions.

Regular harvesting or pruning is one of the most important maintenance practices both for the plants and your kitchen efforts. It promotes bushier growth and helps keep the plant size under control.

You can pinch back the tips of your peppermint plants or cut entire stems, depending on how much you need. Peppermint plants may need repotting every couple of years when grown in containers.

Signs that your plant is root-bound and needs a bigger home include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth, along with disintegrated or poor-quality soil. When repotting, prune the roots lightly before planting them in a new pot.

Prune often and consider using barriers around your planting area to keep the peppermint plants from overtaking other plants. If they become a problem, move the plants from your garden bed and keep them in containers instead.

To keep your plants thriving year after year, provide them with some shelter in the winter if you live in a region with harsh winters. While peppermint can survive frosts, a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

The best thing about growing peppermint is, of course, harvesting time. Plus, the more you harvest, the better your plant thrives — a true win-win. You can begin harvesting around a month or so after planting. Avoid harvesting too early, as this may stunt the growth while the plant is trying to establish itself.

To harvest, pinch or snip off leaves or stems as needed, using them immediately to retain their fresh flavor. Harvest in the morning or evening when the plants are well-watered for the best possible taste. Near the end of the season, cut back any leggy growth to boost growth the next season.

Peppermint leaves are a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. I often see them used in desserts and drinks, but my favorite use, by far, is in salads. I use a mixture of iceberg lettuce and sliced cucumber as the base, topped with heaps of mint and cilantro.

Then I toss on some smoked salmon, pickled ginger, a bit of feta, and a crumble of nori. Finish with a side of sushi mayo, and you have a fresh seafood salad perfect for summer.

Peppermint tea is another essential you have to try. As someone who used to frequently purchase peppermint tea from the grocery store, I can tell you fresh peppermint tea is far superior — especially with a few ginger slices and a dash of lemon. In the garden, peppermint is also known to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.

For creative and crafty gardeners, peppermint leaves can also be used to produce home and beauty products like potpourri, lotions, or fresh soaps. The cooling and calming scent is as irresistible around the home as in the garden.

Growing peppermint plants is relatively easy, but like all plants, they have their share of issues. Identifying these early on and addressing them promptly is the key to a healthy, thriving plant.