Mint consists of a very broad family of 3,500 plants, and all of them have square stems and opposite leaves
Aside from that, each type of mint is incredibly different; you may not have known as horehound, lemon balm, basil, bee balm, pennyroyal, lavender, hyssop, oregano, and even catnip are all relatives. Peppermint and spearmint are the most widely grown mint varieties because they are handy for tea and infusion waters, disliked by mosquitos, and very easy to grow.
After being planted, mint can spread rapidly via runners. Your options are to choose a location that you’d like to eventually have carpeted with mint, plant in a bottomless container deep in the soil to block lateral growth, or grow mint in a large pot on the patio.
Growing From Seed
Mint is rarely grown from seed, as cuttings tend to provide a more faithful reproduction of the traits we like. A few seed companies carefully isolate their varietals for true breeding. They recommend starting seeds indoors over the winter and transplanting after the last frost.
Growing From a Cutting and Transplanting
Mint spreads fiercely through gardens via its roots or stolons. It is hardy enough to sprout roots from a cutting in a glass of water. Just trim off all but the top few pairs of leaves and wait a week or so. To plant cuttings directly in the soil, you can use a rooting hormone. Again, trim all but the top leaves, then dip the stem in the powder or liquid. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil, insert the stem gently, and close the soil around it.
When transplanting young plants to the garden, whether from seeds or cuttings, space the plants roughly 18 inches apart in a shallow furrow about 2.75-4 inches deep and irrigating immediately. The authors say that this planted area can produce for 3-5 years.
Growing Indoors
Mint can be grown indoors, like many other herbs. All you need is a pot with good drainage and room for the roots to spread out, potting soil, and a source of abundant light. Use grow lights or sit your plants in a big sunny window.
Choose which type of mint suits your space best. Peppermints tend to be low-growing or even trailing, while spearmint is more upright and can get leggy.
Mint Plant Care
Mint is a hardy, adaptable herb that is un-fussy and comes back year after year. It’s a great confidence builder for beginning or previously disappointed gardeners.
Mint likes plenty of sunlight until the weather gets extremely hot, when it may go dormant. Partial shade extends the growing season in warm locations.
