Q&A for How to Grow Mint

The leaves should be removed from the bottom of the stem before placing the sprig in water. If your stem is rotting, remove all leaves below water, and change the water and clean the container. This should give it a clean start.

I recommend that you cut the stems to the ground just before your first frost of the year.

You can harvest just a few leaves at a time or cut off whole stems of leaves if you need a lot of leaves at once. The more you need to pick mint, the better control you'll have over the spread of the plant, so don't be afraid to enjoy using your homegrown mint!

Yes, mint spreads quickly and far when it isn't contained. To prevent this, either grow it in an area bounded by a barrier that goes into the ground or in a container. Mint will also spread less if grown in a shady area that quickly hits a hot, always sunny area that is rarely moist. If you don't mind it spreading though, it can be planted anywhere; just expect it to pop up all over the garden if the conditions are good.

Yes, mint will appreciate at least partial shade and can tolerate a shady spot as well. Mint also likes moist conditions, so if the shady spot is moist, mint will thrive.

Mint loves plenty of water, so water frequently and don't be too worried about the amount of water; it is a hard plant to overwater!

Not recommended. Different mints grow at different rates, and they can crowd each other out.

Technically, yes, but you wouldn't get a very healthy or long-lasting plant. Instead, consider starting the mint in water, and then transplanting it to soil after the roots appear.

Yes. Mint is a perennial herb that regrows every year.

No. You need an actual cutting where roots can appear.

They will not. They will, actually, attract mice. Rodents love herbs.

You may not be watering enough. Water at least once a day and see if the soil is dry at any time. Mint prefers moist, cool soil. Do not water on top of the leaves, because water droplets can act like magnifying glasses. The sunlight will then burn the leaves, which can also add to browning. If you can, move it to a place where the mint won't get full sun.

Normal use will not affect the plant long-term. But you won't want to use harvested leaves for a period of time after you treat with an insecticide. Really, it is best to not add insecticides to a herb.

It's actually good to start cutting now, or it will become leggy. Cut the stems to three inches above the ground. Leave at least some leaves on each stem. Three feet of mint will provide for a lot, so start cutting!

No, you don't need a seed. You can make cuttings, put these in a jar of water and wait until they have roots, or use a much faster way: Dig out some roots of the plant (preferably with some leaves for photosynthesis) and plant these where you want them. They will soon form a new plant.

Wait for some of the flowers to wither and then collect the seed pods, leave them to dry, then crush them and then you have your seeds. Put them in an envelope and store in a dry place.

Yes, mint is mostly suited for hot climates as long as it is in partial shade.

Yes! You can use dried mint in a variety of ways. For example, the dried leaf can be used as a topping for spaghetti, as an herbal tea, or even to top a cocktail.

Mint is a very, very hardy plant. It will live practically anywhere. It's undemanding in terms of watering and soil, and will grow in partial shade.

All mint grow well in water however some will flourish a lot faster than others.

I have found that eventually they turn black and get holes in them. You will have to keep an eye on them to see when they are ready to be picked.

Yes, it does. I've seen some pale purple/white flowers. They typically stack these flowers all at once.

Planting mint in the spring is the recommended time to plant anything, preferably after all of the frost.

You should keep different mints in separate pots. Spearmint is more vigorous and aggressive than peppermint. It starts growing sooner, and grows more quickly and taller than peppermint, basically crowding it out and blocking its light.

Mint can grow anywhere, as long as you have the right temperatures and you keep the plant watered well.

It will take about 2 to 3 weeks after planting the seed, so don't worry when your plant isn't growing during the first 2 weeks.

You can't plant your mint with a leaf. In order for your mint to sprout, you actually need a seed(ling).

Yes. As long as there is sunlight, mint will grow perfectly. But, avoid too much sun if you live in a hot climate, or the plant may need to be watered frequently.

That probably means your leaves have started to rot because of too much of water. Immediately pluck the rotten leaves out to prevent the rot from spreading onto more leaves.

It should be least 6 inches deep. Good beds for mint and other plants need to be 6+ inches deep.