Mint ( Mentha ) is an enjoyable plant for its edible leaves and pleasant scent . Mint also brings pollinators to your garden and is a great industrial plant for tiro gardeners due to its relatively downcast - upkeep growing riding habit . With allthe perks this perennial allow , perhaps it ’s prison term to pop out originate and enjoying it yourself , whether by cutting from another plant life or as a seed .

Growingmint from seedgenerally begin in the spring , so it can thrive throughout the growing time of year , though sowing it throughout the yr is also potential . If you want to harvest the benefits of growing your mint from source , " harvest time " these six tips to help you along the elbow room .

1. Choose Your Favorite Variety

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When growing mint from seed , take a type you and your house will adore and use to its full potential .

With more than 3,500 varieties of Mentha to choose from , you are certain to happen a type that you ’ll revel ! The most common diversity are peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) and spearmint ( Mentha spicata ) , both reaching heights of 1 to 3 foot magniloquent .

Hosta edging along the garden border

Other lesser - know salmagundi include drinking chocolate and pineapple mint , each providing its unique tang twist . With so many plants in the Mentha sept , the smack and fragrance spectrum depart substantially !

take note : The old adage “ what you see is what you get ” does n’t always contain for mint , as sometimes mint seeds do n’t grow up to be true to their parent plant .

2. When to Start

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Starting mint cum can lead off indoorsas early as eight to 10 weeks before the last hoarfrost in fountain . If you sow seeds directly into the ground , do so once the threat of frost has return ( typically late March ) .

Your mint seeds should germinate within 10 to 15 days .

Red bleeding heart flowers

3. How to Start

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The initial sowing process is the same whether indoors or directly into the garden . Place flock seed ¼ inch down into deep , moist , and well - draining soil . Just barely cover the seed while providing light for germination . In other words , heavy soil reporting will stymie its growth . Your works will be ready for harvest within two months .

Pro Tip : Mint isan aggressive growerand can overtake other plants . deal planting in a containerorraised bedto restraint the banquet .

Spreading mulch in the garden

4. Keep Seeds Comfortable

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muckle seed germinate at temperatures of around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit . Keep the stain moist but not soggy , andthin out seedlingsas they come forth . A few hefty plants are loosely enough due to their aggressive growth habits .

If starting the seeds indoors , keep the humidness levels around medium ( 40 to 50 percent ) and in full Dominicus experimental condition . Transplant the seedlings to their outdoor localisation once they have two to three leaves .

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5. Choose a Location

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Mint is a extremely tolerant plant that can farm in unfavorable condition . However , it does have preferences , just like any other plant ! This herbaceous plant favor full Dominicus to partial shade with fat , moist , well - draining grime . Some mint varieties ( like Ananas comosus mint ) are susceptible to scorched leaves when in full Lord’s Day , so check your individual plant life ’s druthers .

To assist determine where to put it , considerwhy you are growing hatful . The full sun brings about bloom that help pull in pollinators to the garden . However , consider fond shade for plant grown for harvestable leaves , as full sunlight reduces leafage ontogeny .

Young Seedling of apple mint, Mentha suaveolens in flowerpot set in rows at garden shop.

You must also consider its indoor placement if you keep your good deal plant in the kitchen . An E - facing windowpane is best for those morn rays and afternoon wraith .

6. Proper Watering

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Provide body of water to your plant on a regular basis , start from seed . Mint thrives in grunge that is lightly damp but not soggy . A world-wide principle is to give this perennial around 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the turn season ; however , if outdoors , its location will dictate water system requirement . Take into accounting rain , soil condition , and temperature before giving your plant a drink .

If your plant is make plenty of sun , it may need water up to once per day , as the sunshine will dry out the soil rapidly . Always gibe the stain for wet , as overwatering leads to poor plant timbre and disease . Sings of overwatering include yellowing foliage , drooping stems , and potential root rot .

Young girl hands with seeds, planting radish seeds in soil outdoor on sunny day, close up view.

For mint plant life in containers , verify if the top 2 in of stain are dry before lachrymation . And most importantly , make certain the pot has drainage holes !

It’s Mint to Be!

grow hatful from seed is an excellent option for father gardeners and provides a high - relent , redolent , and flavorful harvest ! With a few tips , like when and how to start your seeds , you may sense confident starting your own . It ’s the ' encourage - mint ' you need !

Is mint part of your home plate garden ? portion out your favourite mint - grow point in the comment surgical incision below !

Gardener Planting Seeds

Thermometer outside for temperature

Mint in a pot

Tap and watering can