Growing Mint: Vigorous Perennial Herb for Kitchen and Garden

Mint is a perennial with fragrant, toothed leaves and tiny purple/pink/white flowers. Fruity, aromatic taste.

"If any man can name … all the varieties of mint, he must know how many fish swim in the Indian Ocean." – Walafrid Strabo (c. 808–849)

Many varieties—all fragrant, shiny/fuzzy, smooth/crinkled, green/variegated. Square stem identifies mint family. Roll between fingers: pungent scent of candy, sweet teas, mint juleps.

Kitchen companions, garden accents, ground covers, air fresheners, herbal medicines. Beautiful, functional, foolproof—thrives sun/shade across North America. Vigorous spreader—plant carefully.

Planting

• Vigorous perennials, light soil, good drainage.
• Ideal: moist, well-drained (like native stream banks).
• Most tolerate shade; variegated may need sun protection.
• Outdoors: 1–2 purchased plants (or cuttings) 2 ft apart in moist soil. Easily cover ground. Height 1–2 ft.
• Containers: topdress with thin compost/organic fertilizer every few months. Aboveground pots need winter protection in cold climates.
• Garden: plant near cabbage and tomatoes.

Care

• Minimal. Outdoors: light mulch keeps soil moist, leaves clean.
• Indoors: regular water for even moisture.
• Starts as bushy clumps, then conquers via horizontal runners and underground rhizomes. Unchecked: 4-ft giant in 1 year. Not horror—mints benefit from picking/pruning. Shallow roots, easy to pull. Provide barriers (walls, walkways, containers).

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Pests and Diseases

• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Leaf spot
• Anthracnose
• Stem canker
• Mice dislike peppermint—spread where suspected. Deer-resistant.

Harvest and Storage

• Frequent harvesting keeps plants best. Young leaves > old. Harvest spring onward. Fresh best; sprigs keep days in water. Freeze or air-dry in bunches.
• Pre-flowering: cut stems 1 inch from ground. 2–3 harvests/season per plant.
• Or pick leaves as needed.
• Indoors for winter fresh leaves. Dry pre-flowering. Store dried in airtight container.

Multiplying Mint

Best propagation: cuttings from favorites. Easy: 6-inch rooted stem cuttings planted horizontally in soil. Stems root in water glass. Start with small cutting from established plant. Any gardening friend shares cuttings.

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Recommended Varieties

• Apple/Pineapple Mint: Mentha suaveolens
• Corsican Mint: Mentha requienii
• Pennyroyal: Mentha pulegium
• Peppermint: Mentha × piperita
• Citrus Mint: Mentha × piperita var. citrata
• Spearmint: Mentha spicata

Wit & Wisdom

• Tension headache: mint leaf compress on forehead. Medicinal benefits/uses of mint.
• Mint symbolizes virtue. More plant meanings.
• Relieves stress/anxiety. Fresh mint as calming herb.

Recipes

• Cilantro and Mint Sauce
• Mint Chiller
• Minted Fruit Mold

Cooking Notes

Serious cooks: spearmint for savory, peppermint for desserts. Delicate fruit salads/yogurt/tea: apple/orange mint. Middle Eastern salads (tabouli), lamb, peas, zucchini, beans, summer veg marinades, cold soups, fruit salads, cheese.

Mango Mint Smoothie recipe!

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Tip: Freeze strong mint tea in ice trays = flavor cubes for drinks!