Mint can be aggressive so it may be best to plant it in containers or in an out of the way area of the garden. Do not over fertilize, as it can diminish oil production and lead to disease issues. A balanced plant food with a 16-16-16 ratio is ideal. Overly wet leaves may lead to fungal diseases.Īpply fertilizer in early spring. Use drip irrigation or water in the morning to allow leaves to dry.

Ideally, mint needs 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of water per week during the growing season. Once the little plants are ready to transplant, take containers outdoors and let them acclimate for a week to outdoor conditions before moving them. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, harden them off and plant them into beds or outdoor containers. If starting mint seeds outdoors, sow seeds on the surface of prepared soil and cover with a light layer of vermiculite. A cover over the flat can speed germination. Keep flats in a warm location and soil lightly moist but not soggy. The seeds are tiny, but you can space them with a seed injector or simply thin the seedlings once germinated. You can start sowing mint seed in containers or flats or in prepared garden soil. Again, trim all but the top leaves, then dip the. To plant cuttings directly in the soil, you can use a rooting hormone. Mint prefers slightly acidic, moist, rich soil. Just trim off all but the top few pairs of leaves and wait a week or so. The key to growing mint from seed is well-draining soil that mimics the natural soils of the plant’s native region. You can also grow mint in containers and start indoors at any time. However, because this is a hardy perennial, they can also be started any time up until two months before the first expected frost. In warmer regions, they can be directly sown into prepared garden soil in mid-spring. If you wish to transplant the seedlings outside in spring once soil has warmed, the seeds need to be planted in late winter. Once you have your cultivar, sowing mint seeds at the right time will ensure a big, beautiful crop of this versatile herb. There are over 3,500 varieties with special characteristics which makes variety selection important. It is a hardy perennial herb and grows quickly, often becoming invasive. It is featured prominently in many recipes from savory to sweet and even in beverages.

Mint is a culinary herb of the Mediterranean and Asian regions. Here are a few tips on starting mint seeds so you can enjoy these fragrant herbs in your landscape. Growing mint from seed is easy and the little plants really take off once installed in a garden bed. Having it nearby in the garden attracts bees and allows you to access that zippy aroma and refreshing flavor for teas, seasonings, pest repellent, and even household deodorizing. You don’t have to be a fan of lamb or mojitos to love the scent and flavor of mint.

Harvest mint seeds