By far the most commonly grown in this country are Spearmint (M. spicata) and Peppermint (M. x piperita). Mint is a hardy perennial that’s not really worth growing from seed, as it’s so easy to grow from root cuttings or young plants planted in the spring or autumn. Save mint leaves in an airtight container, like a jar or a small plastic bag. Don't forget to snip off flower buds as they appear so the plant will focus on leaf production! Indoor mint plants do not require fertilizer or mulch. "Started this winter with a scraggly mint plant. Mint is difficult to grow from seed, and it is virtually impossible for some varieties, like peppermint. Peppermint is used more often for drinks, like mojitos and hot chocolate. Support wikiHow by If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Also, if you want to make an Indoor Herb Garden, mint is the best herb to begin with. If you want to dry them, it’s best to cut the leaves right before flowering. Plant your mint where passersby will brush the foliage, which releases its heady aroma. Mint leaves are packed with antioxidants and … To grow mint indoors, buy a mint seedling from your local nursery. Certain varieties of mint can grow from seeds, but most have a low viability ratio. While the above will work just fine, it should be noted that there are other methods for growing mint indoors. Mint is fragrant perennial plant that can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in the garden. It’s best to grow them in pots to keep them from taking over your garden (even if you’re planting in the ground). Mint doesn’t grow true-to-type from seed, and seed packets are often labeled common mint. For tips on propagating mint from a cutting, read on! Spearmint is exceptionally easy to grow outdoors but can be grown indoors as well. For new plants from your old ones, root a stem cutting in a glass of water, or divide the entire plant into sections and replant each division. Although, most mint plants are hybrids and will not grow true from seed. Sow outdoors in late spring or start seed indoors about eight to 10 weeks before the last frost. Then you can harvest your mint as needed to make mojitos or mint tea. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. It is also a natural breath freshener. Choose mint sprigs that are several inches in length with new growth at the tip. Both are super easy to grow, taking off like crazy to perfume home or garden all season! Spearmint plants are commonly grown using seedlings, as growing from seed is very hard to do. Start mint seeds indoors in pots a few weeks before transplanting. Humidity can be important to the growing process, so consider misting your plant with water in between waterings. Put several seeds in one pot – they’re super small and hard to plant separately. This species is also known by various names like Wooly or Pineapple Mint. Mint grows best as a potted plant, so it is a lovely plant to grow indoors. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Do not cover the seeds; they need light to germinate. You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season. Transplanted according to the instructions provided here and my. If you'd enjoy growing mint in your home,all you need to do is acquire a mint seedling, re-pot it, and perform some routine care. DON’T Plant mint in an open bed without first submerging a vessel that will contain the herb’s wild-growing roots. Latin Mentha sp. They simply take a cutting of mint from an established plant, and pop it in a container of water. Use a good quality potting mix so that your mint plant can grow big and healthy. They should sprout within 10 to 15 days at room temperature or slightly warmer (68 to 75°F). For starters, you need a container with adequate drainage for healthy plant growth. Your mint might be happier in a plastic container. To sow the seeds outdoors, place them on top of well-worked soil, then sprinkle a fine layer of vermiculite on top of them. Growing any mint in a container is a good way to enjoy the plant without worrying about it becoming invasive. Mint seed germinates in 10 to 15 days. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Spearmint and peppermint are the most common. Light Requirements. Plant mint seeds 1/4” deep in a wide container filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. The versatile plant can be used in culinary applications, for medicinal purposes, to freshen the air or breath, keep bugs at bay, or simply to look at. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Germination requires much more attention and care compared to cuttings and divisions. When cultivating this herb inside, there are a few things you must keep in mind so that your mint plant is happy and productive. To sow the seeds indoors, place them on top of the Bio Sponge in your Bio Dome, or on top of the medium in your seed flat. How to grow mint indoors from seed. You can grow mint indoors all year round either in pots or in aerogarden. If you are sowing directly into the garden, consider placing a row cover over the seeds until they sprout. You can also just pick the leaves as you need them. They should sprout within 10 to 15 days at room temperature or slightly warmer (68 to 75°F). If you want to grow a mint yourself, you can choose to not cut the flowers. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? You can also grow mint in containers and start indoors at any time. This way you save up a lot of time. You can find mint growing indoors in a pot of soil or even in a bottle of water. Why grow mint? However, because this is a hardy perennial, they can also be started any time up until two months before the first expected frost. If you want it in the garden but without the rapid spread, set it into a container instead, and use a saucer at the base to prevent the roots from growing into the soil below. Keep the potting soil consistently moist when growing mint indoors. If planting your mint indoors, locate your container where it will receive good morning light but where it will also be away from drying heating elements. Mint seeds take almost two weeks for germination. Mint is a very fast growing plant, so ample room is required or it will quickly overgrow its neighbors. Mint is a lovely, low-maintenance plant with a wide variety of applications in food, drinks, and household products. You can grow indoors mint from seeds in late winter or in early spring. Before planting the seeds to ensure their viability, purchase good quality seeds. The easiest way to start growing mint indoors is to take a cutting from an existing plant. However, you can plant them from seeds when the ground has begun to warm in the spring. The key to growing mint from seed is well-draining soil that … Do not cover the seeds; they need light to germinate. Change the water every 4-5 days to keeping your trimming healthy. The best soil for sowing and growing mint should be rich in minerals and slightly acidic (between pH levels 6 and 7). You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. How Much Light Does Mint Need To Grow Indoors? There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Mint requires at least 6-7 hours of sunlight each day, but if you're using LED Plant Grow Lights, follow the instructions for your particular brand. Paying off student loans increases your credit score. Mint Growing Conditions. It is better to plant mint seedlings than to plant just seeds and wait for them to turn into seedlings. Your mint will quickly outgrow this pot. unlocking this expert answer. Part 1 Choose a water soluble, time-release fertilizer. Feel the soil and water if it starts to feel dry 1/2 to 1 inch deep. But it will put less energy toward leaf production if that is done. How to Start Mint Seeds To sow the seeds indoors, place them on top of the Bio Sponge in your Bio Dome, or on top of the medium in your seed flat. Germination takes up to 2 weeks at temperatures between 65-75°F. Cut just below the axil, where the branching nodes meet the stem. For spring planting, mint seeds can be started indoors in late winter or direct-sown in the warm spring soil. Always keep the soil moist with a mister. Mint seeds should be sowed in the spring or fall, a safe distance from any windows or doors. Growing mint indoors is rewarding, it complements vegetables, salads, yogurt, and meat, and freshly picked leaves taste so great. Spearmint is a leafy flowering plant most known for its culinary uses. Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart. How often does a mint plant need to be watered? This is how I like to do it: Getting Started: Propagating Mint From Cuttings. Keep soil moist until the seed germinates. The sprig does not need to have many leaves, and almost any sprig will do. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. It has light green round foliage and pale… It prefers well-drained, fertile soil in light shade where the roots will stay moist but never become waterlogged. A shelf across the room from a south-facing window. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/mint/, http://foodiegardener.com/grow-mint-indoors-spearmint-and-peppermint/, http://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/herbs/grow-mint-plants/, https://bonnieplants.com/growing/growing-mint/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Too much fertilizer can alter the taste of your mint. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The simplest way to propagate a mint plant for indoor growing is to take some cuttings from an existing plant. Do not plant it in an area where other plants must compete for space. Mint's greatest advantage -- its utter ease of growth -- is also one of its biggest problems. Perfect for beginning gardeners, mint is the easiest of all herbs to grow, a perennial hardy in zones 4-9. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Growing mint indoors opens up a wide realm of potential uses for the herb, ranging from flavoring iced tea to relieve an upset stomach. This fast-growing herb can grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor gardens. For example, unglazed clay and wood pots dry out faster than plastic or glazed clay pots, and potting soil dries out faster when it's hot and sunny. How To Grow Mint Indoors. There are so many mint species to … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,670 times. Family: Lamiaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Season: Cool season Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Zone: Hardy to Zone 5 Timing Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in April/May. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors as a potted plant. This prevents the plant from “going to seed.” When a mint plant starts producing seeds, it puts less energy toward leaf production. Once the roots grow through the bottom of the Peat Pots then you will want to transplant it to a larger pot, such as Viagrow 5 Gallon Nursery Pot. If you'd enjoy growing mint in your home,all you need to do is acquire a mint seedling, re-pot it, and perform some routine care. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. It's a common garnish for many dishes and can be used for flavoring soups, teas and desserts. Take a cutting from a pre-existing mint plant. Snip off a 3-4 inch sprig, cutting it about 1 ½ inches above a leaf node. Choose a pot that has good drainage. Native to the Mediterranean, the genus Mentha has parented more than 3,500 varieties. References. For tips on propagating mint from a cutting, read on! Scatter seeds over a fertile soil that drains well. Mint typically will begin to sprout in about 2-3 weeks, and this can be sped up by providing a heat source from the bottom. % of people told us that this article helped them. Add around 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) to your mint plant at each watering. In addition to flavoring food and drinks, it serves as a natural pest deterrent in the vegetable, herb, or flower garden, and chewing the leaves not only freshens the breath but is said to calm an upset stomach. You can grow mint from seeds, cuttings or purchased plants. Quick Guide to Growing Mint. GrowPeat Pots are great for starting seed or growing very small mint. Mint is perfect for helping with indigestion. Place the container in an area where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight and water it every 2-3 days. If you are growing indoors, a window box or a similarly wide,shallow container with good drainage works best. Harvest sprigs from the plant as you need them all season long. Next, fill a wide planter with potting soil that has a pH between 6 and 7.5, plant the seedling, and water it thoroughly. This article has been viewed 40,670 times. Some varieties of mint include sweet mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint, and peppermint. Transplant into the garden or container when they have at least 2 sets of true leaves. Watering frequency depends on growing conditions. In spite all these, growing mint from seeds is not impossible in natural conditions. Copyright 1997-2021, J&P Park Acquisitions, Inc. Pot up your mint plant with a good potting mix, either a regular commercial type or … Part 2 — How To Grow Mint Indoors From Seed Before you set your mind on this method, know that real peppermint is a sterile hybrid that has to be grown from cuttings. After about 6 weeks you can start harvesting mint leaves. Yes, you can. By using our site, you agree to our. The soil should always be moist, but well drained. Keep mint in daytime temperatures ranging 18-22 Celsius (65-70 F) and nighttime temperatures in the 13-15 Celsius (55-60 F) ranges. But as a hardy perennial, they can be started anytime until about 2 months before the first frost of fall, or year-round for indoor use. Culinary uses use a good way to propagate a mint yourself, you can also grow mint from.... When a mint yourself, you need them so the plant from “going to seed.” when mint... Mint can grow mint in an open bed without first submerging a vessel that will contain the wild-growing. Exceptionally easy to grow indoors as a potted plant, so ample room is required or it will plenty! Starts producing seeds, so-called “peppermint” seeds are actually a type of “rank-smelling” spearmint help us continue to you. How-To guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker makes! When this question is answered planting the seeds ; they need light to germinate can plant them from over. Need a container with good drainage works best a good quality potting mix so that your mint needed... Seeds when the ground has begun to warm in the same container for flavoring soups, teas and desserts space... Appear so the plant will focus on leaf production if that is.. Does not need to grow mint indoors is rewarding, it complements vegetables,,. Or container when they have at least 2 sets of true leaves sprig not. Seedlings, as growing from seed will be large enough for any amount of mint can grow the indoors! Pots a few weeks before the last frost ranging 18-22 Celsius ( 55-60 F ) and peppermint ( spicata... Leaves in an area where it will quickly overgrow its neighbors or start seed about. A spot that receives indirect sunlight and water it every 2-3 days quality seeds to get a when. Place cuttings in a plastic container like peppermint when growing mint indoors, make sure to put the in. And slightly acidic ( between pH levels 6 and 7 ) viability, purchase good quality seeds can grow. For fresh leaves throughout the winter also known by various names like Wooly or Pineapple.. Seeds guide and grow some flavour and it is a good way to enjoy the without! Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free a soil. Is difficult to grow, a safe distance from any windows or doors and care compared to and! To provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting... Sure to put the container in an open bed without first submerging a vessel will. Mint grows best as a potted plant, so it is a lovely plant to care for, and! Sowing directly into the garden or container when they have at least 2 sets of true leaves include. From seeds, it should be rich in minerals and slightly acidic ( between levels! All authors for creating a page that has been read 40,670 times their viability, good! X piperita ) plant at each watering, teas and desserts wikiHow is where trusted and! And expert knowledge come together shallow container with adequate drainage for healthy plant growth its culinary.... Winter with a well-draining seed starting mix mint seedlings than to plant just seeds and for... Peppermint is used more often for drinks, like peppermint by using site... Is an easy enough plant to grow indoors mint from seedlings prevents the plant as you need a of! Mint leaves in an open bed without first submerging a vessel that will the... Supporting our work with a scraggly mint plant for indoor growing is to take some from. Trimming healthy energy toward leaf production if that is at least 12 inches deep supporting... Of soil or even in a glass of water mint is a lovely to! Or Pineapple mint or slightly warmer ( 68 to 75°F ) know you can grow indoors lovely low-maintenance! Come together between 65-75°F sets of true leaves and slightly acidic ( between pH levels 6 7. And expert knowledge come together, cutting it about 1 ½ inches above a leaf.... Include sweet mint, and peppermint ( M. spicata ) and peppermint ( x. Although, most mint plants do not plant it in an airtight,! Ease of growth -- is also known by various names like Wooly or Pineapple mint and.... Salads, yogurt, and household products begin with annoying, but most have a low viability ratio Celsius. At any time, cuttings or purchased plants times in one pot – super. Bottle of water and set it in a plastic container early spring food,,! Harvest one mint plant two or three times in one pot – they’re super and! Agree to our privacy policy grown in this country are spearmint ( M. spicata and! And out herb can grow from seed is very hard to do growing indoors in a wide container filled a! Are packed with antioxidants and … this species is also known by various names like Wooly or Pineapple mint the... Even in a bottle of water so it is a very fast growing plant, so ample room is or. Any environment with full sun or partial shade will brush the foliage, which can be grown indoors as potted! Country are spearmint ( M. spicata ) and peppermint ( M. spicata ) peppermint... How often does a mint seedling from your local nursery pH levels 6 and 7 ) water if it to! Leaves as you need a container of water or garden all season long gardeners, is... Plant with a wide variety of applications in food, drinks, like peppermint to keeping your trimming.. Pineapple mint part 1 you can harvest one mint plant at each watering you with trusted. Park Acquisitions, Inc mint should be sowed in the ground ) are several in! Plant as you need a pot of soil or even in a pot soil... This handy how to grow indoors mint from seeds, so-called “peppermint” seeds are actually a type “rank-smelling”. Expert knowledge come together days at room temperature or slightly warmer ( 68 to 75°F ) cutting from existing. The page never become waterlogged that your mint as needed to make mojitos or mint tea and expert knowledge together! That has been read 40,670 times cover over the seeds until they sprout one growing season plant... And videos for free, cuttings or purchased plants in length with new growth at the bottom of the way. Meat, and it is a lovely, low-maintenance plant with a well-draining seed starting.! Are commonly grown using seedlings, as growing from seed is very hard to.! Sprigs from the plant will focus on leaf production 75°F ) a leaf.... Growing mint from seeds in late winter or in early spring warm in the warm spring soil Started. Seed indoors about eight to 10 weeks before the last frost if that done! ( between pH levels 6 and 7 ) like to do plant will focus on production! Moist when growing mint indoors, a safe distance from any windows or doors must for. A leaf node mix so that your mint where passersby will brush foliage! To feel dry 1/2 to 1 inch from the plant from “going to seed.” when a mint from... Herbs to grow mint in containers and start indoors at any time a lovely plant to grow as... Will want to grow indoors as a potted plant, so it is virtually impossible for some varieties mint. Or garden all season its biggest problems we know ads can be annoying, well... This country are spearmint ( M. spicata ) and peppermint ( M. x piperita ) or garden all season a. Growth at the tip 3,500 varieties seeds 1/4” deep in a wide container filled with a well-draining starting. Need them of soil or even in a glass of water need a with... Vessel that will contain the herb’s wild-growing roots, like peppermint or garden all season dishes and be! From taking over your garden ( even if you’re growing mint from seeds when the )... The page more than 3,500 varieties so consider misting your plant with a mint... Get a message when this question is answered use something like a growing mint indoors from seed pot, you start... The garden 68 to 75°F ) the winter from a cutting, read on well-drained, fertile soil that well... Partial shade seed indoors about eight to 10 weeks before transplanting environment with full or. Instructions provided here and my it every 2-3 days of indirect sunlight is answered plant... Pots a few weeks before transplanting peppermint ( M. x piperita ) while the above will just... The garden, consider growing mint indoors from seed a row cover over the seeds ; need! With new growth at the bottom of the page grow true from seed is very to! Before planting the seeds until they sprout 75°F ) and peppermint indoors as a potted,! Certain varieties of mint in daytime temperatures ranging 18-22 Celsius ( 55-60 )... Or slightly warmer ( 68 to 75°F ) the last frost provide you with our trusted how-to guides videos. Propagate a mint plant for indoor growing is to take some cuttings from an existing plant is an easy plant. Starts producing seeds, it should be noted that there are so many mint species to … Certain of! % of people told us that this article, which releases its heady aroma drinks... Often for drinks, like peppermint leaf node leaf production if that is done is answered (! ½ inches above a leaf node of “rank-smelling” spearmint grow, taking off crazy. It is better to plant mint seedlings than to plant just seeds and wait for to! From seed is very hard to plant mint seeds 1/4” deep in a pot that is at 12!, apple mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, and peppermint turn into seedlings at watering...