How to grow mint indoors: 3 growing methods for year-round harvests

Growing mint indoors is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, aromatic leaves all year long. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply love the invigorating scent of mint, cultivating this versatile herb inside your home is both simple and rewarding. And if you’re looking to expand your indoor garden, you might also enjoy our guide on how to grow basil.

Selecting the Right Mint Variety

The Mentha genus offers a plethora of species and hybrids, each boasting unique flavors and aromas. Here are some popular indoor varieties:

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Renowned for its sweet, mild flavor, spearmint is a staple in many kitchens.
• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): With its strong, cooling menthol flavor, peppermint is perfect for teas and desserts.
• Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Chocolate’): This intriguing variety combines the classic mint taste with a hint of chocolate, adding a unique twist to beverages and baked goods.

When choosing a variety, consider your personal taste preferences and how you plan to use the mint in your culinary creations.

Planting and Container Selection

Mint is known for its vigorous growth and tendency to spread, making container cultivation an excellent choice for indoor gardening. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a Container: Select a pot with a diameter of at least 8-10 inches to provide ample space for root development. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
2. Soil Preparation: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Adding perlite or coarse sand can improve drainage and prevent root rot.
3. Planting: Place your mint cutting or seedling into the prepared soil, covering the roots completely. Gently firm the soil around the base and water thoroughly to settle the plant.

For those interested in growing other edibles indoors, check out our tips on how to grow peas.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Mint thrives in well-lit environments but is adaptable to various indoor conditions:

• Light: Position your mint plant where it can receive at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with fluorescent or LED grow lights.
• Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night. Consistency is key, as mint prefers stable conditions.

Read Next

Watering and Humidity

Proper hydration is essential for healthy mint growth:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Humidity: Mint appreciates moderate humidity levels. If your indoor environment is particularly dry, especially during winter months, consider misting the plant occasionally or using a humidifier to maintain optimal conditions.

Fertilizing

To support lush, vibrant foliage, regular feeding is beneficial:

• Frequency: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season, typically from spring through early fall.
• Application: Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to excessive, less flavorful growth.

Pruning and Harvesting

Regular maintenance encourages a healthy, bushy plant:

• Pruning: Regularly pinch back the tips of the stems to promote branching and prevent legginess. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain overall plant health.
• Harvesting: Once your mint plant has multiple stems with several sets of leaves, you can begin harvesting. Use sharp scissors to snip leaves or sprigs as needed, preferably in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.

Pest and Disease Management

While mint is relatively hardy, it’s important to monitor for common issues:

• Common Pests: Be vigilant for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and, if infestations occur, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Diseases: Ensure proper air circulation around your mint plant to prevent fungal issues such as powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on the foliage, which can encourage disease development.

Propagation

Expanding your mint collection or sharing with friends is easy through propagation:

• Stem Cuttings: Cut a healthy 4-inch (10 cm) stem just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water. Once roots develop, transplant it into soil.
• Division: If your plant becomes too large, divide the root ball into smaller sections and replant them in separate containers to manage growth and rejuvenate the plant.

Expand Your Indoor Garden

If you’re inspired by growing mint indoors, why not explore other exciting indoor gardening projects? Learn how to grow a variety of edibles and ornamental plants with our additional guides, including:

• How to grow collard greens plants with celery seeds: a complete guide
• Top 10 microgreens you can grow at home
• How to grow autumn crocus

By following these guidelines, you can successfully cultivate a thriving mint plant indoors, ensuring a fresh and continuous supply of flavorful leaves for all your culinary and herbal needs.

Happy gardening!