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How to Grow Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection)

Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection)

Persicaria odora (syn. Polygonum odoratum)

herb

Vietnamese mint is a perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and a distinctive peppery-citrus aroma commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It features small pink or white flowers and grows in a spreading, bushy habit. This herb is treasured for its intense flavor profile that differs markedly from common spearmint or peppermint.

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Example Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection)

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Vietnamese Mint (Mixed Asian Herbs Collection) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to full sun; 4-6 hours of sunlight daily (afternoon shade in hot climates recommended)
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers humidity; reduce watering in winter dormancy
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first usable harvest
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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
compost peat moss perlite aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate growth

Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain high humidity. Protect from direct sun. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and lance-shaped leaves; bushy form emerges; foliage becomes more robust

Pinch off growing tips to encourage branching. Increase watering as plant grows. Begin light harvesting once plant has 6-8 leaves

3

Established Growth

4-6 weeks and ongoing

Mature herb with dense foliage; multiple harvestable stems; plant reaches full bushy size

Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates

4

Flowering

Variable, summer months

Small pink or white flower clusters appear at stem tips; flowering may reduce leaf flavor intensity

Pinch off flowers to redirect energy to foliage production if leaf harvest is priority. Allow some flowers if attracting pollinators is desired

5

Harvest/Maintenance

Ongoing through growing season

Plant continues producing new leaves throughout growing season; ready for continuous harvesting

Harvest leaves regularly to maintain vigor and prevent woodiness. Cut stems just above leaf nodes. Remove any yellowing or damaged foliage. Reduce watering in winter if grown indoors

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Thai basil Cilantro Lemongrass Holy basil Ginger Garlic chives Mint varieties Parsley

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill (can slow mint growth)

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity by misting leaves. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation

  • Isolate infested plants. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove pests with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol

  • and

    Remove by hand, especially at night. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Beer traps

Uses

🍳

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Culinary

Vietnamese mint is essential in pho, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese salads, and as a garnish for soups and curries. Its peppery-citrus flavor profile complements fresh herbs in traditional Vietnamese, Thai, and Cambodian dishes. [source]

🍳

Beverage & Tea

Culinary

Brew fresh leaves into a fragrant herbal tea with peppery and citrus notes. Excellent in cocktails and mocktails for a unique herbaceous kick. [source]

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Traditional Remedies

Medicinal

Used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine to support digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe stomachaches. May have mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Fresh Herb Garden

Household

Excellent container plant for windowsills, patios, or kitchen herb gardens. Provides continuous fresh harvests and aromatic foliage year-round in warm climates or indoors. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Small flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. Allows some flowers to develop to support pollinator populations while maintaining a supply of fresh leaves. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting once plant has 6-8 leaves, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Pinch off leaves and tender stems from the top to encourage bushier growth. Harvest in the morning for peak flavor and essential oil content. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting extends plant productivity. Best flavor is from young leaves; older leaves can become tougher

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Vietnamese mint has a unique flavor profile that is distinctly different from Western mints—it combines peppery, citrus, and slightly medicinal notes that make it irreplaceable in authentic Southeast Asian cuisine
  • 🌱 The plant is actually not a true mint (Mentha species) but belongs to the Persicaria genus; it's sometimes called polygonum or Vietnamese cilantro, and its aroma intensifies during the hottest parts of the day
  • 🌱 In traditional Vietnamese medicine, it has been used for centuries to treat indigestion and flatulence, and the leaves release an intensely aromatic fragrance when brushed against or crushed

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves
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