How To Grow Peppermint? This One Tip Could Save Your Garden

No matter what type of garden you have, you can always benefit from growing peppermint. Not only is this herb beneficial for your garden in general, but it can also help keep pests away and provide a fresh taste to your plants.

 And if you’re looking to increase production in your garden, one easy way to do so is by planting peppermint alongside other herbs. Here are some tips on how to grow peppermint:

Summary

Peppermint is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, peppermint prefers well-drained soil and can be partially shaded by taller plants. In order to grow peppermint successfully, give it full sun or partial shade and fertile soil that is moist but well drained. To propagate peppermint, root cuttings taken in late winter or early spring will root readily in water.

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a hardy perennial that typically grows up to one foot tall, but can reach two feet in some cases. Peppermint flowers are multi-colored and have a strong, minty scent. The leaves are compound and grow in pairs on long stems. The peppermint plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint is a hardy perennial that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but will do well in part sun or partial shade as long as it receives adequate water.

To grow peppermint, begin by planting the seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in a sunny spot in the garden. Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches apart once they have developed at least two sets of true leaves. Mulch the plants with organic matter or keep them weed-free with a layer of straw each year to help suppress weeds and keep the soil moist. Harvest the mint leaves when they are young and tender, typically in late winter or early spring.

Tips for Growing Peppermint

Growing Peppermint: A Guide for Beginners

Peppermint is a hardy, easy to grow herb that can be enjoyed fresh or used in baking and cooking. Here are some tips for growing peppermint:

1. Plant peppermint in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
2. Start seedlings off indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, transplanting them outside when they are large enough to handle the cold weather.
3. Harvest peppermint leaves throughout the growing season as needed; avoid overharvesting, as this will cause plants to become fibrous and less flavorful.
4. Prune roots periodically during the winter to keep plants healthy and compact.

The Different Types of Peppermint

There are many different types of peppermint, but the three most common are hardy perennial mints, which grow in a clump; upright mints, which have broad leaves that point upwards; and soft-leaved mints, which have finer leaves.

To grow peppermint, start by planting seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Once they germinate, move them to a container with fresh soil and water. Keep the plants well-watered during the summer and harvest the leaves when they turn purple in late fall or early winter.

Growing Peppermint: The Basics

Peppermint is a hardy perennial herb that grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, but can also be grown in colder climates. Peppermint prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but will tolerate light shade or partial sunlight. The plant reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet when it blooms in late winter or early spring, and has small, aromatic white flowers on short stems.

The fruit is the peppermint plant’s key reward for all the work you put into growing it – pollination by bees is required for mint to produce seeds that will grow into plants again next year. The fruits are about an inch long, have a thin skin, and are green when immature (turning blue as they ripen), before turning black when fully ripe.

 Harvest the fruits when they turn from blue to black and start to split open – they should be softly crunchy and emit a strong flavor of peppermint. Store the fruits in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use them; they will last up to two weeks.

Growing Herbs in Containers

Peppermint is a perennial herb that can be grown in containers. Peppermint grows best in well-drained soil and needs sun or partial shade. Plant peppermint seeds in late winter or early spring and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

When the peppermint plants reach 4 to 6 inches tall, they are ready to transplant into their permanent home. Once transplanted, water the plants regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Growing Peppermint Indoors

If you are looking to grow peppermint plants indoors, this one tip could save your garden. Peppermint plants do best in cool climates, with temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night. If your home is not near a cold weather area, try growing them in a sunny windowsill or on the patio. Choose a location that gets plenty of sun and moisture but does not get too hot or too cold.

To start growing peppermint, purchase a potting mix that is specifically for indoor plants and pour it into the pot. Make sure the soil is moist before planting your peppermint seedlings and water them regularly while they are growing. When they are about 2 feet tall, thin out the plants by removing most of the foliage except for one or two leaves at the top of each plant.

Growing Peppermint Outside

Peppermint is a hardy annual herb that can be grown outdoors in most climates. It prefers full sun, but will do well in partial shade as well. Peppermint likes fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. This one tip could save your garden: plant peppermint near other plants that will help to reduce its need for attention.

To grow peppermint, start by sowing the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. When the seeds have germinated and are growing, thin out the plants to about 6 inches apart. Water sparingly until the plants have established themselves, and then give them regular water and fertilization. Once the plants are established, cut back on the watering schedule to allow them to adapt to their new environment.

Care and feeding of Peppermint plants

Peppermint plants are easy to care for, but do require a little extra attention during the growing season. Here are some tips to help keep your peppermint plant healthy and thriving:

1. Space Peppermint Plants Close Together

Growing peppermint plants in close proximity will encourage them to share resources and water, and also reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases spreading throughout your garden.

2. Fertilize Regularly

A balanced fertilizer is key for keeping your peppermint plants lush and green. Feed them every two weeks during the growing season, or when you see signs of deficiency.

3. Prune Regularly

It’s important to prune your peppermint plant regularly in order to maintain a healthy bush. Remove any dead sections of the stem, as well as any branches that are too thin or sparse. This will help promote strong growth and prevent your mint from becoming overcrowded.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to grow peppermint in your garden this winter, one quick tip could help you get started successfully. Start by prepping your soil before planting by adding organic matter and lime. Keep an eye on the plants after they’ve emerged, adjusting watering as needed to keep them well-hydrated. Be patient – it can take up to two years for peppermint plants to grow into large bushes! However, if you follow these simple steps and give your plants the support they need, success is definitely possible.