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Crop Guide

How to grow mint

Herb · Water-sensitive · Perennial · Frost-tolerant

Primary source · UMN Extension
Mint
Moisture range
40–65%
Days to maturity
60–90
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
500 · base 50°F
When to plant mint where you garden
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates, counted from your own frost dates.
See planting calendar →
or the link above opens zone 6b to browse.

Growing notes

Hardy perennial mints can become invasive. Most have some tolerance of excessive heat and dry soil.

Harvest signs

Many herbs will have the best flavor if harvested just before flowering

Planting referencepH, light
pH range
6–7.5
Light
Full sun (6+ hr direct)
Pests & diseasesroot rots
Common diseases · 1
Root rots: Root rots are the most common problem of herbs grown indoors

Companions & antagonists

Plant near:TomatoPepper
Tip: Extremely invasive — plant in container or isolated bed.

Common questions

How much water does mint need?

Mint is water-sensitive — shallow roots and a steady thirst. Keep soil moisture in roughly the 40–65% range and don't let it dry out fully, or growth stalls and leafy crops turn bitter.

Can I grow mint in a raised bed or container?

Mint is a perennial that stays put for years, so give it a permanent in-ground spot or a large, deep container it can live in long-term.

Does mint come back every year?

Yes — mint is a perennial. Plant it once and it comes back each year, so pick a spot it can keep for several seasons.