How to Grow Mint
Mint
Mint is an aromatic herb known for centuries, and its name originates from the Latin word Mentha. According to Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph transformed into a fragrant plant by Persephone, the wife of the king of the underworld. Mint is widely used in various dishes, both sweet and savory, as well as to give tea a distinctive aroma and flavor. It’s also utilized in perfumes, mouth fresheners, toothpaste, chewing gum, and for medicinal purposes, such as alleviating sore throats, congestion, itching, and mild pain relief. These reasons make many people keen to grow mint at home to have it readily available.
Steps to Grow Mint
Mint is a plant that can be easily propagated and grown with minimal care. It grows quickly and propagates through rhizomes. While it can be grown from seeds, this method is not recommended as it is difficult to predict the characteristics of the resulting crop. Instead, the best way to grow mint is as follows:
- Getting a Mint Plant
- You can buy a mint seedling from nurseries or garden supply stores and choose a suitable type.
- Alternatively, you can obtain a cutting from a previously grown mint plant by cutting a branch about 10 cm long. The branch does not need to have leaves.
- Place the branch in a cup of water, removing any leaves from the submerged part. Roots will begin to appear within a week, and they should be long enough for planting after another week. Change the water every few days to prevent rot and add water to the cup as needed.
- Choose the Right Time for Planting
- Although mint is a flexible plant, it’s best planted in spring or fall.
- Select a Suitable Pot
- Plant the mint so that the roots are just below the soil surface. It’s preferable to grow mint alone in a pot because its roots grow quickly and can overtake other plants.
- For one plant, a pot 12-16 inches wide is sufficient. If planting multiple seedlings in the same pot, leave enough space between them for free growth.
- Add materials to the soil to help retain moisture and prevent drying, such as polymer, perlite, or vermiculite.
- Choose a Spot with Sufficient Sunlight
- Select a location where the plant receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon to avoid drying while ensuring enough light. You can also place the pot on a window sill or inside the house.
- Select the Right Soil
- Ensure the soil pH is between 6-7 for the best results. Fertilize the soil every few weeks and use mulch around the roots to retain moisture.
- Water Regularly
- Mint needs regular watering, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. Check the soil to ensure it’s moist but not waterlogged.
- Prune the Top of the Plant
- Pruning encourages lateral growth, helping to produce fuller leaves and better yields.
- Pinch Flower Buds
- When buds appear between June and September, pinch them to prevent flowering, control growth, and extend the harvest season.
- Divide the Plant Every 2-3 Years
- If mint is planted in a pot, it will likely outgrow the pot in 2-3 years. At this point, remove the plant, divide it into several sections, and plant each section in a separate pot to maintain the plant’s strong aroma and flavor.
- Treating Rust Disease
- If rust appears (symptoms include brown or orange spots on the underside of the leaves), treat it with fungicides.
- Protect the Plant from Diseases
- Diseases such as Verticillium Wilt, Anthracnose, and pests like fleas, beetles, root borers, or spider mites can be prevented by ensuring proper ventilation and well-draining soil. To eliminate pests, wash the leaves with insecticidal soap or spray with a garden hose.
- Harvest Mint Leaves as Needed
- You can harvest leaves from late spring to early fall. Avoid taking more than a third of the leaves at a time and allow the plant to regrow before harvesting more.
- Protect Roots Before Frost
- Use mulch to cover the roots before frost, and it’s better to cut back the leaves and stems.
Characteristics of Mint
Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and the Mentha genus, which includes 25 species. While mint is widely distributed across temperate regions worldwide, it is native to Eurasia, North America, South Africa, and Australia.
Mint plants have square, upright, branched stems ranging from 10-120 cm in height. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, can be elongated or lance-shaped, and are covered with fine hairs with serrated edges. The leaf colors range from dark green to grayish green, purple, blue, or pale yellow. Mint flowers are small, grouped in whorls or terminal spikes, and have four petals that are white, pink, or purple. The fruit is a small dry capsule containing 1-4 seeds.
Types of Mint
Several types of mint can be grown at home, and while their cultivation requirements are similar, care should be taken to plant them far apart to avoid cross-pollination. This can result in new, unpredictable traits. Some popular types of mint include:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Apple Mint
- Chocolate Mint
- Pennyroyal
- Water Mint
- Corn Mint (Field Mint)
- Lavender Mint
