Mint is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is perfect for adding flavor to tea, cocktails, and desserts. It’s also very easy to grow it indoors, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to have fresh mint at their fingertips. In this blog post, we will teach you how to grow mint indoors so you can enjoy its delicious flavor all year long!
How to Start Growing Mint Indoors
To get started growing a mint plant indoors, you can either purchase a starter plant from a nursery, or propagate mint by root division or from stem cuttings.
How to Propagate Mint by Root Division
Mint is a fast-growing, aromatic herb that you can easily propagate by root division in early spring. You will need a sharp knife and a clean pot with fresh potting mix.
- Water the mint plant well the day before you plan to divide it. This will make the roots easier to work with.
- Carefully dig up the plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into two or three pieces.
- Plant each piece in its own pot, using fresh potting mix.
- Water well and keep the pots in a sunny spot.
- Once the plants have established themselves, you can begin to Harvest mint leaves as needed to flavor teas, Mojitos, or other dishes.
How to Grow Mint from Stem Cuttings
To propagate mint from stem cuttings, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Fill a pot with moistened perlite or vermiculite.
- Cut a healthy stem from the plant, making sure to include several sets of leaves.
- Strip the lower leaves off of the stem, then dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
- Stick the cutting into the perlite or vermiculite, then cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
- Place the pot in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, and keep the perlite or vermiculite moist but not soggy.
- In about four to six weeks, roots should form and new growth will appear.
- Once the plant is established, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden.
How to Care for Mint Plants Indoors
Mint is a popular herb that is used in many different dishes and drinks. Considering that herbal tea is growing in its popularity, it’s good to know that you can grow mint indoors with the proper care.
Light Requirements
Mint requires a lot of sunlight, so it is important to place your mint plant in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. If you cannot provide enough natural light, you can supplement with grow lights.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels
The ideal room temperature for growing mint plants indoors is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another important thing to consider when growing mint indoors is humidity levels. Mint thrives in high humidity environments, so it’s important to make sure that your indoor space is suitably humid for your plants. There are a few ways to increase humidity levels for your mint plants:
- misting the leaves regularly with water;
- placing the pots on a pebble tray filled with water;
- using a humidifier in the room.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your mint plants will have the humidity they need to thrive.
Watering Mint Plants
Mint plants need moist, but well-drained soil. So water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. If the leaves start to turn brown or wilt, that is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Wilting leaves can also be a sign of too much sun exposure, so make sure your mint plant is getting enough shade.
When watering mint, it’s important to not overdo it. Mint likes moist soil, but too much water can cause the roots to rot. Water mint plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Be sure to empty any water that collects in the saucer under the pot, as mint doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil.
Fertilizing Mint
To keep your mint plant healthy, fertilize it every four weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. Just be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the package directions, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant.
When it comes to fertilizing mint, less is more. Mint is a fast-growing plant and doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer to thrive. If you notice the leaves of your mint plant turning yellow, this is a sign that it’s getting too much fertilizer. Cut back on the amount you’re giving it, and water the plant well to dilute the excess fertilizer in the soil.
Pruning Mint Plants
Pruning mint is essential for two reasons: to promote growth and to prevent the plant from becoming too woody. When pruning, always cut back to a point where there are leaves—this will encourage new growth. You can prune mint in the spring or summer, but be sure to do it before the plant flowers.
Here’s how to do it:
- Cut off any dead or dying leaves with a sharp pair of scissors.
- Trim back any long stems, cutting them back to a point where there are leaves.
- If the plant is looking very woody, you can cut it back by up to one-third.
Pruning mint is easy and only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference to the plant’s health. Do it regularly and your mint will thrive indoors.
Harvesting Mint Indoors
To harvest your mint, simply snip off the leaves you need with a pair of sharp scissors. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
Growing mint indoors is a great way to enjoy the taste of fresh mint year-round. You can dry mint leaves and easily prepare home-grown mint tea with your kettle, or use fresh mint leaves to flavor other dishes!
Conclusion
So there you have it—everything you need to know about growing mint indoors. By following these simple tips, you should be on your way to a flourishing herb garden—and plenty of fresh mint for all your needs.
Have you grown mint indoors before? What tips would you add? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FAQ
Does mint need full sun?
Mint likes a lot of sunshine, but its ideal sun exposure depends on your climate. In extremely hot climates with lengthy summers, full sun can be detrimental to mint growth. On the other hand, mint thrives in full sun in chilly climes with lots of cloudy days.
How often should I water mint?
Mint likes soil that is moist but not soggy. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. How often you need to water your mint plant will depend on the size of the container, the type of potting mix, and the climate. In general, mint plants need to be watered around twice a week. You may need to water more often in very hot weather.
Does mint grow better inside or outside?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it really depends on the climate that you live in. If you live in an area with a mild climate, then growing mint in a pot indoors should be just fine. However, if you live in an area with a hot climate, then it might be better to grow mint outdoors.
Does mint need drainage holes?
Just like any other plant, mint needs drainage holes in the bottom of its pot to allow excess water to escape. Otherwise, your mint will quickly become waterlogged and root-bound, which will lead to a whole host of problems down the road.
Can I grow mint indoors all year?
Yes, you can grow mint indoors all year, but it is best to grow mint outdoors in the spring and summer. Mint prefers a sunny location with moist soil. If you live in an apartment or do not have a lot of space, you can grow mint in pots on your windowsill or balcony. For more tips and tricks on how to grow mint indoors, check out our in-depth guide above.
