Herb · Leafy / Soft Herb
Mint
Mentha spicata
A vigorous, cold-hardy perennial herb grown for its cool, refreshing leaves. Spreads aggressively by runners, so it's usually best confined to a container even in the ground.
At a glance
Water
High
28–40 fl oz/wk
Light
Partial sun
4–6 hrs/day
Space
Small
18 in
To maturity
60–90 days
Edible parts: Leaves
Family: Mint
Includes basil, rosemary, sage, and mint. Recognizable by square stems and fragrant, oil-rich leaves.
Harvest
Snip stems as needed once the plant is established; regular harvesting keeps growth bushy rather than leggy.
Growing conditions
- Temperature
- 30–85 °F
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- Soil type
- Rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil
- Climate
- Very cold-hardy perennial; dies back in winter and returns vigorously each spring.
- Growing season
- Plant in spring; once established it persists and spreads for years.
- Nitrogen
- Medium (≈30–60 ppm)
- Humidity
- Medium (≈40–70 %)
- Planting unit
- Cutting
- Feeding schedule
- Light, regular feeding supports the fast, spreading growth mint is known for.
- Pest resistance
- High - largely trouble-free, occasional spider mites and rust
- Pests
- Spider mites: Tiny arachnids that cause fine stippling on leaves and fine webbing, most active in hot, dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back hard whenever it gets leggy; grow in a container or with a below-ground barrier, as roots spread aggressively and can become invasive.
Notes
Confine to a container or a bed with a below-ground barrier - unrestrained roots spread aggressively and are considered invasive in many climates.
Where it grows
- Container / PotIdeal— Strongly recommended over open ground, since a pot contains its aggressively spreading roots.
- HydroponicIdeal— Roots readily in water and does well in NFT or DWC systems.
- In-Ground GardenPossible— Considered invasive without a below-ground barrier to contain its runners.
- Raised BedPossible— Use a sunken barrier or its own dedicated bed - roots will otherwise spread and crowd out neighbours.
- WindowsillPossible— Tolerates lower light better than most herbs, given its partial-shade preference.
- Vertical / TrellisNot recommended— Spreads via runners rather than climbing.
Companions & antagonists
- Antagonistic: Basil — Mint's vigorous, spreading roots are reported to crowd out and outcompete more delicate herbs for water and nutrients when planted too closely, independent of any chemical effect.
- Antagonistic: Rosemary — Same crowding/competition concern as with other herbs - commonly advised to keep mint contained and separate.
- Antagonistic: Sage — Same crowding/competition concern as with other herbs - commonly advised to keep mint contained and separate.
- Antagonistic: Thyme — Same crowding/competition concern as with other herbs - commonly advised to keep mint contained and separate.
Sources
- How to Grow Mint in Your Garden — Utah State University Extension
- Incompatible garden plants — Ask Extension