GROW GUIDE

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Plant Description

Peppermint

A versatile herb with vibrant green, serrated leaves and a refreshing aroma. Known for its cool, sweet flavor, mint is a popular addition to beverages, desserts, and savory dishes alike.

It is celebrated for its invigorating scent and is often used in teas, mojitos, and garnishes, providing a burst of freshness.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Partial to Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    10-15 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    50-70 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    18-24"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    3

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Ideal for small herbs, providing adequate sunlight.

  • Raised Beds

    Contains growth and maintains soil quality.

  • Indoor Planters

    Portable and can be moved to optimize sunlight and growing conditions.

  • Containers

    Ideal for controlling soil quality and moisture; easy to move.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Prefers partial shade over full sun. It's a versatile grower that can thrive in varied lighting conditions, making it suitable for both garden beds and indoor pots.

    It can be invasive, so consider planting it in containers or using barriers around garden plantings.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Mint likes moist, rich soil. Regular watering and a mulch layer can help keep the soil moist. Use a general-purpose fertilizer sparingly to avoid overly vigorous growth.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 3 seeds in each hole, about 1/4" deep. Sprinkle the small seeds gently into the dirt without totally burying them as they require light to sprout.

    During germination, gently mist with water to keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Maintain a soil temperature between 68° to 75° F. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart.

Good Neighbors:

  • Beans:

    Mint protects beans from rodent attacks

  • Broccoli:

    Mint helps repel cabbage flies and helps improve the growth of broccoli

  • Cabbage:

    Enhances cabbage's flavor, and repels white cabbage moth and flea beetles

  • Carrots:

    Mint is a good repellent of the carrot fly, which lays its eggs around the root end of a developing carrot

  • Cauliflower:

    Enhances cauliflower flavor, and repels white cabbage moth and flea beetles

Enemy Plants:

  • Chamomile, Oregano & Rosemary:

    Mint tends to compete for resources with these plants

Attractants:

  • Bees, Butterflies & Hoverflies:

    Mint flowers are a source of nectar

Repellents:

  • Cabbage Moths

    Repelled by mint's aroma

  • Mosquitoes

    Repelled by mint's aroma

  • Mice

    Repelled by mint's aroma

  • Ants

    Mint's potent smell masks pheromones that ants use to communicate, disrupting their navigation ability

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Requires consistently moist soil, so water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. It’s less susceptible to the issues of over-watering than many other herbs, but good drainage is still crucial.

  • Pruning

    Frequent harvesting will keep it under control and encourage new growth, making the plant bushier. Pinch off the tips of the stems to promote branching and cut back any runners to keep the plant contained.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Pick leaves or sprigs as required. Frequent harvesting is beneficial as it helps to control the growth and spread of the plant.

  • Extra Tip

    Harvest mint leaves early in the morning to capture the best flavor and aromatic quality.

Favorite Uses

  • Tea

  • Essential Oil

  • Cocktails

  • Salad

  • Lamb

How to Store

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: 1-2 weeks
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Place leaves in a damp paper towel and then in a plastic bag. Keep in the crisper drawer to maintain freshness.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Chop mint and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for easy addition to drinks or dishes.

  • Oil Preservation

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Submerge chopped mint in olive oil in airtight containers; keep refrigerated and use as needed.

  • Vinegar Preservation

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Cool, dark place
    • Method: Place leaves in vinegar to create a flavorful infusion perfect for dressings and marinades.

Fun Facts

  • Ancient Currency

    Mint was so valuable in ancient times that it was used as a form of currency in places like Ancient Egypt.

  • Digestive Aid

    Mint has long been recognized for its properties as a digestive aid, helping to soothe stomach issues and aid digestion.

  • Versatile Flavoring

    Mint is used worldwide in a variety of dishes, from Middle Eastern salads to Indian chutneys and the famous mint julep cocktail.