Mint plants are a fragrant herb that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. They are a low-growing, fast-spreading perennial with oval-shaped, dark green leaves. The leaves are highly aromatic and are used in teas, sauces, desserts, and other culinary dishes. Mint plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. They can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Mint plants are known to be invasive and can quickly take over a garden, so it is important to keep them contained or in pots.
Planning Your Garden With Mint
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Mint is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Mint is a hardy herb that can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Mint is a hardy herb that can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | Mint can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use, which is usually within 30-45 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown mint plant is 12-24 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width. |
| Spacing requirements | Mint should be planted in a spot that receives full sun or partial shade, and in soil that is moist but well-drained. It should be spaced between 12 and 18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Mint is tolerant of full sun to partial shade. It does best in partial shade or dappled shade, especially in hot climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Mint is a shade tolerant plant, meaning it can tolerate some shade but does best in full sun. It is important to note, however, that mint does not do well in overly hot or dry conditions, so it should not be planted in an area that receives direct, intense sunlight for long periods of time. |
| Water requirements | Mint is a very hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of water requirements. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. In general, it should receive 1-2 inches of water per week. It's important not to over water mint, as it can cause root rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing mint depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | Mint prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Mint is Popular
Mint is a popular herb to grow because it is easy to care for and it has a variety of uses. Mint has a strong scent and flavor, making it a popular choice for culinary dishes, teas, and other drinks. Mint is also believed to have medicinal properties, and is used in some traditional remedies. Additionally, mint is a beautiful addition to any garden, and its fragrant aroma can help mask unpleasant odors.
Companion Plants For Mint
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for mint include:
Common Pests For Mint
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow mint, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
