Herb

Growing mint

Mentha spicata · Lamiaceae
By Hannah Price · Updated 12 November 2026

Mint calendar

Mint sowing, planting and harvest calendar (UK)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant			Plant in March	Plant in April	Plant in May				Plant in September	Plant in October
Harvest				Harvest in April	Harvest in May	Harvest in June	Harvest in July	Harvest in August	Harvest in September	Harvest in October
Prune						Prune in June	Prune in July			Prune in October

Timings suit lowland southern and central Britain and most of Ireland. In northern England and Scotland, or in a cold spot, start two to three weeks later in spring and finish earlier in autumn.

Overview

Mint is a vigorous hardy perennial that spreads by fleshy underground runners, popping up metres from where you planted it if given free rein. That vigour is useful, though: one plant supplies leaves for new potatoes, peas, tea, salads and summer drinks from spring to autumn. Spearmint is the standard kitchen mint, but the family offers many distinct flavours.

Varieties to try

Spearmint is the classic choice for mint sauce, and the 'Moroccan' strain has a clean, sweet taste ideal for tea. Peppermint, Mentha × piperita, is stronger and cooling. Apple mint has soft, furry leaves and a mild fruitiness, while 'Chocolate' mint is a peppermint form with dark stems and a hint of cocoa. 'Tashkent' is a robust spearmint with large leaves.

Soil and site

Best soil: Moist, moderately fertile soil or loam-based compost.

Mint likes moisture and grows well in sun or part shade; a damp corner that defeats other herbs suits it. To keep it contained in a bed, plant it in a large bottomless bucket or pot sunk to its rim, leaving a few centimetres above ground so runners can't hop over the edge. On a patio, any big container works.

Sowing and planting

Most named mints don't come true from seed, so start with a plant or a rooted piece from a friend. Plant in spring or early autumn into compost with a slow-release feed mixed in. Even a short length of runner with roots will establish quickly. Water well until new shoots appear.

Spacing: One plant per pot at least 30 cm wide; keep different mints in separate pots so they don't blur.

Care

Keep pots well watered, as mint sulks in dry compost. Feed occasionally in summer. When plants flower and stems turn woody, cut the whole clump back to a few centimetres to trigger fresh, tender leaves. Cut down again in autumn. Every two years, tip the plant out, discard the congested centre and replant a vigorous outer piece in fresh compost.

Harvesting and storing

Pinch or snip shoot tips as needed; regular picking keeps plants compact. Leaves have the best flavour just before flowering. For winter, pot up a section of runner in autumn and keep it on a bright windowsill. Mint also freezes well chopped in ice cubes and dries reasonably for tea if hung in bunches somewhere airy.

Common problems

Mint rust shows as orange pustules on swollen, distorted stems in spring. Dig out and bin affected plants, then start again with clean stock in a new spot. Powdery mildew may appear on dry, crowded plants in late summer; cutting back and watering usually sort it. Aphids sometimes cluster on tips but rarely cause lasting harm.

Read more on the problems that most often hit mint:

Not sure what you're looking at? Try diagnosing it by symptom.

Month-by-month reminders

Jobs for mint come round in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Each month page lists the rest of the garden's jobs for the same weeks.

Grow alongside

Sources

Names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; timings and spacings reflect UK growing practice and were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.