When to Plant Mint?

When to Plant Mint? The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Why everyone wants mint in the garden

Mint is one of those plants you simply must have. It smells wonderfully fresh, grows quickly, and can be used in tea, desserts, or even cocktails. And guess what? You don't have to be a plant expert to make it work.

Mint is also a perennial. If you care for it properly, it will return year after year. No hassle of starting over every year!

When is the best time to plant mint?

The short answer: plant mint in the spring, between late March and May. Then the soil is still nice and moist from spring, but it's no longer too cold for young plants. It's best to wait until after the last frost if you want to start mint directly in the ground.

Do you have a greenhouse or do you want to start indoors beforehand (in a pot, for example)? Then you can start as early as February. Keep it warm and bright, but shelter your plants from the wind. A rainy day is perfect for planting mint, so the young roots don't dry out during transplanting.

Want to know more about planting timing in general? Check out our page on planting times and discover our handy guides for each plant species!

Planting mint in open ground: here's how

Find a spot with partial shade to sun, and ensure the soil is well-drained. Mint loves nutrient-rich, moist soil. A spot near the kitchen door? Great idea—that way you'll always have fresh leaves on hand.

Dig a hole about 10 cm deep. You can sow mint, but it's easier to use a small plant or cutting. Place the plant in the soil, press it down lightly, and water well. Be careful, though: mint is a invasive plant. Consider planting the plant in a buried pot to keep it in place.

You can, of course, also combine your mint plant with a suitable sturdy pot available from us , if you want to place it on the patio or balcony.

Planting mint in a greenhouse or indoors

If you don't have a garden, mint is perfectly suitable for growing indoors. Choose a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with light, nutrient-rich potting soil. Add perlite for an airy soil structure—mint doesn't like wet feet.

Place the pot in a bright spot, such as an east- or south-facing windowsill. Water regularly, but avoid allowing the soil to remain wet. Mint tends to grow a little more slowly indoors, but with enough light, it will still form a robust bush.

Looking for more plants that thrive in pots or small spaces? Then check out our student room collection —you'll find more easy-to-grow varieties there.

Caring for mint after planting

Pruning and harvesting

The more you prune, the more it grows! With mint, regular pruning is the secret to a strong plant. Feel free to cut off the tops as soon as you see a few sturdy branches. These buds are the tastiest in the kitchen and help the plant divide and become fuller.

When the plant starts to bloom (white or purple flowers), it's best to cut them off. The flowers are beautiful, but after flowering, the leaves often become more bitter.

Water and food

Mint prefers moist soil, but without standing water. Water when the top inch feels dry. In summer, especially in pots, you'll need to water almost daily.

Every few weeks, you can add some liquid plant food to your potted mint. Try Jungle Mist, for example, for a healthy boost and a delightful fragrance.

Can mint survive indoors in winter?

Yes! Mint is a hardy plant and perennial herb. In the ground, the above-ground portion dies back with the first frost, but the roots survive in the soil and regrow in the spring. In a pot, you can bring mint indoors during the winter, in a cool but bright place.

Want to keep all your herbs organized? Consider a small indoor grow kit —ideal for herb enthusiasts.

Propagating mint: that's easy too

Want more mint? Then cut off a stem with some roots and place it in water or directly in moist soil. The cutting will develop roots within a few days. It's easiest to do this in spring or early summer.

For cuttings, you can also use our cute wall cuttings or use a gold cutting station to propagate in style.

Finally, your coin mission begins now

Whether you have a sunny spot in your garden or a pot on your balcony, mint is one of the most rewarding plants to grow. It smells wonderful, grows quickly, and is nearly indestructible.

We're happy to help you with other easy-to-grow plants. Check out our selection for beginners or discover our full range of houseplants here .

Inspired? Then it's your turn: grab that shovel and let your coin mission begin!