GROW GUIDE

FRESH PEPPERMINT

Mentha Piperita

Peppermint

Plant Description

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/Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    10-15 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    50-70 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    18-24“

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2-3

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

  • Germination Rate

    ~60%

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Ideal For Small Herbs, Providing Adequate Sunlight.

  • Raised Beds

    Provides Good Drainage And Ample Space For Roots.

  • Moveable 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.

  • 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 2-3 seeds in each hole, about 1/4" deep. Space plants about 18 inches apart.

Companion Plants

  • Marigolds:

    When planted together, an aroma shield spreads across the garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.

  • Carrots:

    Mint is a good repellent of the carrot fly, which are harmful to carrots.

  • Peas & Beans:

    Mint protects beans from rodent attacks

  • Roses:

    Roses attract beneficial bugs that will help protect mint from invaders

Attractants

  • Bees:

    Attracted to mint flowers

  • Butterflies:

    Attracted to mint flowers.

  • Hoverflies:

    Attracted to mint flowers.

Enemy Plants

  • Rosemary, Chamomile, Oregano:

    Mint tends to compete with these plants for resources.

Repellents

  • Housefly:

    Repelled by mint's aroma

  • Mosquitos:

    Repelled by mint's aroma

  • Ants:

    Mint has a potent smell that can mask the pheromones that ants use to communicate, which confuses them and disrupts their navigation ability

  • Mice:

    Repelled by mint's aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

  • Zone 3:

    April (indoors), May (outdoors)

  • Zone 4:

    April (indoors), May (outdoors)

  • Zone 5:

    March (indoors), April (outdoors)

  • Zone 6:

    March (indoors), April (outdoors)

  • Zone 7:

    March (indoors), April (outdoors)

  • Zone 8:

    February (indoors), March (outdoors)

  • Zone 9:

    January (indoors), March (outdoors)

  • Zone 10:

    January - March (outdoors)

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

  • Essentials Oils

  • Cocktails

  • Baths

How to Store

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: Up To Two 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: Refrigerator
    • Method: Submerge Chopped Mint In Olive Oil In An Airtight Container; 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.