Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, but its underground runners spread aggressively, so it is best grown in a container – or in a bottomless pot sunk into the ground with the rim 5 cm above soil level. It thrives in moist soil, sun or partial shade, and regular cutting keeps it lush. One plant can supply fresh leaves for tea and cooking from spring to autumn.
Key takeaways
- Mint spreads by rhizomes (runners) and will invade beds if unconstrained.
- Grow it in a pot at least 30 cm wide, or sink a container into the ground with the rim above soil.
- It likes moist, fertile soil and tolerates partial shade.
- Divide and repot every 2–3 years to keep it vigorous.
- Orange pustules on leaves mean mint rust – remove affected stems promptly.
Popular mint varieties
| Variety | Botanical name | Flavour | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearmint | Mentha spicata | Sweet, classic “garden mint” | Mint sauce, mojitos, peas, lamb |
| Peppermint | Mentha × piperita | Strong, cooling menthol | Tea, desserts |
| Moroccan mint | M. spicata ‘Moroccan’ | Clean, sweet | Moroccan mint tea |
| Apple mint | Mentha suaveolens | Mild, fruity, furry leaves | Salads, drinks |
| Chocolate mint | M. × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’ | Minty with cocoa notes | Desserts, hot chocolate |
| Pineapple mint | M. suaveolens ‘Variegata’ | Mild, fruity | Ornamental, garnish |
| Corsican mint | Mentha requienii | Intense crème de menthe | Ground cover between pavers |
| Pennyroyal | Mentha pulegium | Very strong | Ornamental only – toxic if ingested in large amounts |
How to plant mint
In containers (recommended)
- Choose a pot at least 30 cm (12 in) wide with drainage holes.
- Fill with peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with a little well-rotted compost.
- Plant one mint variety per pot – different mints can lose their distinct flavours when they intermingle.
- Place in sun or partial shade. Afternoon shade is helpful in hot US summers.
In the ground (with a barrier)
- Take a large plastic pot or bucket and cut out the base.
- Bury it so the rim sits about 5 cm (2 in) above the soil, preventing runners creeping over the top.
- Plant the mint inside and fill with compost.
- Check the rim each summer and snip off any escaping runners.
Caring for mint
- Water regularly – mint likes consistently moist soil and wilts quickly in dry pots.
- Feed container mint monthly in summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
- Cut back flowering stems to keep leaves tender, or let some flower for bees and butterflies.
- Autumn: cut to ground level when it dies back. It regrows in spring.
- Refresh: every 2–3 years, tip the plant out, slice the root ball into sections, and replant the healthiest piece in fresh compost.
Harvesting mint
Pick young leaves and tips regularly from spring to autumn. Cutting stems back by a third stimulates bushier growth. The flavour is strongest just before flowering. Mint dries well – see how to dry fresh herbs – and freezes well in ice cubes.
How to propagate mint
Mint is one of the easiest plants to multiply:
- Cuttings in water: place 10 cm non-flowering stems in a glass of water; roots appear within a week or two.
- Root division: in spring, dig up a clump and pull apart sections with roots and shoots.
- Runners: cut a piece of runner with a few nodes and lay it on compost, covering lightly.
Mint does not come true from seed for most named varieties, so cuttings or divisions are best.
Growing mint indoors
Mint grows well on a bright windowsill. Use a deep pot, keep the compost moist, and harvest often. A supermarket mint plant can be divided into several pots. See how to grow herbs indoors.
Common mint problems
| Problem | Signs | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mint rust | Orange-brown pustules under leaves, distorted shoots | Cut out and bin affected stems; in severe cases replace the plant |
| Powdery mildew | White dusty coating | Improve air circulation; water at the base |
| Mint beetle | Shiny metallic-green beetles, holes in leaves | Pick off by hand |
| Leggy growth | Long bare stems | More light; cut back hard |
| Woody centre | Bare middle, growth only at edges | Divide and replant |
Using your mint
Make fresh peppermint tea, mint sauce for roast lamb, tabbouleh, raita, mojitos and Pimm’s, or add leaves to fruit salads and peas. For flavour ideas, see our herb pairing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should mint be planted in pots or in the ground?
Mint is best grown in pots because it spreads aggressively by underground runners. If you plant it in the ground, use a sunken container with the rim above soil level.
Does mint come back every year?
Yes. Mint is a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and regrows in spring in most UK and US climates.
How often should I water mint?
Keep the soil consistently moist. Container mint may need watering daily in hot weather.
Can I grow different mints in the same pot?
It is better not to. Different mints can intermingle and their distinct flavours may be lost over time.
Why is my mint turning brown?
Brown leaves may be caused by underwatering, mint rust, or root congestion in old plants. Check soil moisture and look for orange pustules under the leaves.
