Plants in the Mint family (Lamiaceae) are very hardy perennials with vigorous growth habits. All types (including Sweet Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, and Chocolate Mint) are fast-growing, spreading plants, so you must give them a place to spread without getting in the way, or plant them in a pot. Mint sends out runners that spread above and just below the ground, quickly forming large, lush green patches. In the right place, it makes a pretty seasonal ground cover. You can also contain Mints in tight areas such as between pavers of a walkway where your feet will brush against the leaves to release its fragrance.
The spikes of white or pinkish flowers are attractive but brief. However, they do attract bees, butterflies, and even birds. Most Mints are hybrids and will not grow true from seed.
Fresh leaves are an excellent complement to lamb, fish, poultry, and vegetables such as peas, new potatoes, and carrots. Mint also blends well with green or fruit salads and beverages such as punch, lemonade, and tea. Two very popular drinks, mint julep, and Cuban Mojito, both depend on spearmint for their cool zest. Freeze Mint in cubes for iced tea. You can also preserve it in vinegar or dry it for potpourri or sachets.
Light: Mints will grow in full sun to partial shade.
Temperature: Depends on variety. Peppermint is very cold hardy, down to Zone 3. Spearmint handles the heat best, up to Zone 11.
Soil: Mint prefers a rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Mint is one of the few culinary herbs that grow well in shady areas, although it can handle full sun if kept watered.
Cuttings of Mint will root easily in soil or water, and mature plants can be divided and transplanted. However, you can start new plants from seed. Sow outdoors in late spring or start seed indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Keep soil moist until seed germinates.
Mint prefers a rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If the soil is somewhat lean, top-dress yearly with organic matter and apply an organic fertilizer mid-season, after shearing.
To contain the roots and limit spreading, you can grow Mint in containers, above or sunk into the ground. Be careful to keep container Mints from flopping over and touching the ground. Stems will root quickly if given a chance.
Snip sprigs and leaves as needed. If you don't harvest your Mint regularly, it will benefit greatly from a shearing mid-season. At some point, you will probably notice the stems getting longer and the leaves getting shorter. That's the time to cut the plants back by 1/3 to 1/2 and get them sent out fresh new foliage again. You can do small patches at a time, if you have a lot of Mint, and prolong the harvest season. All cuttings can be used, dried, or frozen for later use. You can use, dry, or freeze the cuttings.
Pests and Diseases
Sometimes gets rust, which appears like small orange spots on the undersides of leaves. Use an organic fungicide and try to allow plants to dry between waterings. Stressed plants may also be bothered by whitefly, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs.
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