Ever tried making tea with fresh peppermint leaves picked straight from your garden? It’s a game-changer! Growing peppermint is not only rewarding but surprisingly simple. It is one the most easy plants to grow. More home gardeners than ever are cultivating this versatile herb. If you’re looking to make your own teas, add flavor to dishes or create natural remedies, peppermint is the perfect plant to start with.
Selecting the Right Variety for Growing Peppermint
True peppermint (Mentha piperita) has that classic cooling sensation that we associate with candy canes and chewing gum. It’s actually a natural hybrid between watermint and spearmint. For beginners, this classic variety is recommended because it’s hardy and versatile for both cooking and tea.
Specialty varieties offer unique flavors for specific uses. Chocolate mint has subtle cocoa undertones that make it perfect for desserts and hot chocolate. If you’re growing primarily for medicinal purposes, look for varieties with higher menthol content.
Purchase your plants from a reputable nursery. Established plants are easier for beginners to work with than starting from seeds and will give you a head start on your peppermint growing journey.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Peppermint
Peppermint prefers morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. It adapts well to various soil types but thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The most important factor is good drainage while still retaining some moisture.
Consistent moisture is essential for peppermint. In the wild, mint often grows along stream banks, so aim to keep the soil consistently damp (not soggy). During hot spells, this might mean daily watering.
Temperature-wise, peppermint is resilient, handling temperatures down to 15°F without protection. During extreme heat (above 90°F), growth will slow down, but the plant will recover when temperatures moderate.
The biggest consideration is whether to plant in the ground or containers. Due to mint’s aggressive spreading nature, containers are often the best choice for beginners to prevent it from taking over your garden.
KEY TAKEAWAY: “Peppermint thrives in morning sun with afternoon shade, prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage and requires consistent moisture.”
Growing Peppermint: Step-by-Step Guide
Early fall is ideal for establishing mint plants, though spring planting works well too. The cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock, and the plants have time to establish roots before winter dormancy.
For container planting, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide with good drainage holes. Fill the bottom with a layer of small rocks to improve drainage. One or two plants per 12-inch pot is sufficient as they’ll fill in quickly.
When planting directly in the ground, dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. The crown of the plant should be right at soil level, not too deep. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to account for their rapid spread.
After planting, water thoroughly and apply a light layer of mulch. Straw or shredded leaves work well for mint, helping retain moisture while keeping the roots cool. Check moisture levels daily during the first week while plants are establishing.
Containing Peppermint’s Aggressive Growth
Peppermint spreads through underground runners (rhizomes) that can extend 2-3 feet in a single growing season. This aggressive growth makes containment strategies essential.
For in-ground planting, use buried barriers made from plastic edging that extends at least 12 inches deep. Commercial root barriers or repurposed plastic buckets with the bottoms removed work well.
Container growing is the simplest solution. Use 5-gallon buckets with drainage holes, half-whiskey barrels, or dedicated herb planters. Place containers on patios or use pot feet rather than setting them directly on soil, as mint can sometimes send roots through drainage holes.
Regular harvesting helps keep growth in check. Cutting stems back by a third every few weeks during the growing season encourages bushy growth rather than spreading.
KEY TAKEAWAY: “Growing Peppermint in containers is the best way to control its aggressive spreading habit.”
Watering and Fertilizing Requirements
Peppermint thrives with regular, moderate watering. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. Container plants might need daily watering in summer, while ground-planted mint might need water every 2-3 days depending on your climate.
For fertilizing, less is more with peppermint. Too much fertilizer causes explosive growth but reduces flavor and aroma. Apply a light dose of balanced organic fertilizer once in spring and perhaps again mid-summer if the plants look pale. Composted manure provides slow-release nutrients without diluting flavor.
A 2-inch layer of mulch helps maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature, especially important in hot climates to prevent stress.
KEY TAKEAWAY: “Peppermint requires regular, moderate watering, minimal fertilizing to preserve flavor, and a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.”
Pest and Disease Management
Peppermint’s strong oils naturally repel many common garden pests, making it relatively problem-free. However, a few issues can occur:
Spider mites sometimes appear during hot, dry spells, causing stippled yellow dots on leaves. A strong spray of water on the leaf undersides usually controls them. For persistent problems, insecticidal soap works well.
Rust appears as orange-brown spots on leaf undersides and thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Space plants properly, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly. In severe cases, cut the plant back to healthy growth.
Verticillium wilt causes entire stems to suddenly wilt and die. There’s no treatment once it appears, so remove affected plants entirely and plant new mint in a different location or fresh potting soil.
Harvesting and Preserving Peppermint
Start harvesting when plants reach 8-10 inches tall, cutting stems about 1-2 inches above the soil line. Morning harvesting yields the most aromatic leaves. For the most flavorful harvest, pick leaves just before flowering begins.
To dry peppermint, tie small bunches with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. After about a week, when leaves crumble easily, remove them from the stems and store in glass jars away from direct light.
For freezing, wash and pat dry fresh leaves, then either freeze them whole on a tray before transferring to freezer bags, or chop them and freeze in ice cube trays with water.
Fresh peppermint makes excellent tea – simply crush 8-10 fresh leaves in a mug, pour hot water over them, and steep for 5 minutes. Fresh leaves also add brightness to fruit salads, yogurt, and homemade ice cream.
KEY TAKEAWAY: “Morning harvesting yields the most aromatic leaves. For the most flavorful harvest, pick leaves just before flowering begins.”
Tips for Successfully Growing Peppermint
Growing peppermint is a rewarding experience that provides you with a versatile herb for countless uses. By following proper planting techniques, containing its growth, and maintaining appropriate care, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of this fragrant herb. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, peppermint is an excellent addition to your garden that will continue to provide benefits throughout the seasons.