Q&A for How to Grow Mint in a Pot

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Is it normal for the stem to droop? Will nipping the top leaves promote growth?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Your mint needs more sunlight. The stems are stretching to get closer to the light. Increase the amount of light your mint gets by moving it to a sunnier spot.

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Question

Can I use the leafs from my spearmint plant if it is young?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Yes, as long as you leave a majority of the leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.

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Question

Which type of pots should be used to plant mint?

Sander1

Community Answer

Pots with holes, so that the water won't collect in the pot when it rains. However, the roots will grow through those holes and attach to the surface you are growing them on.

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Question

Does a mint plant need to be fertilized?

Community Answer

Mint is pretty hardy, so it can practically live anywhere. However, fertilizer is a nice supplement to help out your hard-working mint.

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Can I put fresh spearmint leaves in my drinking water?

Community Answer

Yes. Be sure to wash them first, and then muddle the leaves a bit to release the flavor. I use a pestle to gently press the leaves.

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Question

What do brown spots or edges mean on my mint leaves?

Community Answer

If the brown or black spots are on the underside with a corresponding yellow splotch on the top of the leaves, suspect rust, a fungal infection. Mint rust mainly infects peppermint and spearmint. Destroy infected mint plants.

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Question

Can it thrive without direct sunlight?

Community Answer

No. As the article said, mint should have around 6 or more hours of direct sunlight, so restricting sunlight would probably kill it.

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Question

How do I help my peppermint thrive?

Community Answer

You can add some fertilizer to help speed the process up a bit, but other than that you should just let nature take its course.

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Question

What can I do if I only have seeds?

Community Answer

This article says that mint does not grow from seeds very easily. Only the most experienced gardeners can grow mint from seeds, otherwise it is recommended to get seedlings.

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Question

Can I keep mint on my front porch?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as your porch gets direct sunlight for 6 hours a day or more.

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Question

Do rabbits and deer like mint?

Community Answer

Both rabbits and deer generally avoid plants that have strong aromas; mint, as well as most herbs, is usually safe. However, this is not a guarantee. A very thirsty deer or rabbit will munch on just about anything.

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Question

Can I continue to harvest from the same mint plant over a long period of time?

Community Answer

Yes, just as long as you don't prune it so much that the plant suffers in the long run. However, mint likes to be harvested and will quickly regrow.

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Question

When adding liquid fertilizer to mint, should I put it on the leaves or directly into the soil?

Community Answer

Place it directly on the soil but make sure to dilute it so the plants won't suffer due to osmotic stress. Don't spray on the leaves as mildew or burns might appear on your plant.

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Question

Do I need to stake my mint plants?

Community Answer

No. Mint plants tend to crawl and only stand not higher than a foot. Even mint that climbs upward tends to have enough strength in the stems to hold itself upright.

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Question

What mint species should I grow for cooking purposes if I want something strong so that it can tasted in the food?

Community Answer

Use peppermint for cooking, tea and serving in salads. Be sure to wash it before using.

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Question

Is mint winter hardy?

MforMazhar

Community Answer

Yes. However, taking care of a plant goes a long way. Look after it by watering properly. Even a cutting of a stem and plant it grows the shoots as long as the stem is not totally damaged or crushed.

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