How to Grow Other Mint Varieties
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Other Mint Varieties
Mentha species (various)
herbMint encompasses numerous aromatic species and cultivars beyond common spearmint and peppermint, each with unique flavor profiles and growing characteristics. These herbaceous perennials are vigorous growers valued for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Most mints are hardy, fast-growing, and thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them excellent choices for both novice and experienced gardeners.
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Example Other Mint Varieties timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Other Mint Varieties
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Other Mint Varieties
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Other Mint Varieties dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Most mint varieties thrive in zones 3-11, with excellent performance in zones 5-9. Some tender varieties are best grown as annuals or in containers in cooler zones.
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with simple oval cotyledons and first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid stem and leaf development; plants produce increasingly complex leaf shapes and fuller foliage. Runner formation begins in many varieties.
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Water regularly. Begin light harvesting once plant has 6+ sets of leaves. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Runner & Spreading
Ongoing throughout seasonStolons (runners) extend from base; new plantlets develop at nodes. Plant creates dense, spreading mound of foliage.
Control spread by harvesting runners or containing in pots/barriers if needed. This is the best time for propagation. Continue regular harvesting.
Flowering
6-8 weeks in mid to late summerSmall flowers develop on terminal spikes in white, pink, purple, or lavender depending on variety. Foliage may thin slightly.
Pinch off flowers to redirect energy to leaf production, or allow flowering for ornamental appeal and pollinator attraction. Flavor may intensify slightly before flowering.
Dormancy & Fall
2-4 months (varies by zone)In cooler zones, foliage dies back to ground. Perennial roots survive winter; new growth emerges in spring. In warm zones, plants may remain evergreen.
Cut back dead foliage after hard frost. Mulch in zones 3-5 to protect roots. In warmer zones, light pruning maintains shape. Minimal watering needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; apply sulfur-based fungicide in severe cases; avoid overhead watering
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity around plants
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Row covers on young plants; remove affected leaves; apply kaolin clay spray; neem oil for severe infestations
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Strong water spray to remove; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Fresh & Dried Beverages
CulinaryFresh mint leaves make refreshing teas, cocktails, lemonades, and smoothies, while dried mint provides year-round tea and flavoring options. Different mint varieties offer distinct flavor profiles from cool peppermint to fruity apple mint. [source]
Cooking & Garnishing
CulinaryMint varieties enhance savory dishes like tabbouleh, curries, and lamb preparations, as well as desserts and confections. Chocolate mint is particularly prized for chocolate desserts and beverages. [source]
Digestive & Respiratory Support
MedicinalMint has been traditionally used to support digestive health, reduce bloating, and ease respiratory discomfort. The menthol and other volatile compounds have cooling and soothing properties. [source]
Natural Pest Deterrent & Cleaner
HouseholdMint's aromatic compounds repel insects, rodents, and some garden pests. Fresh or dried mint can be used in homemade cleaning solutions and sachets. [source]
Ornamental & Fragrant Plantings
CraftMany mint varieties such as peppermint, chocolate mint, and variegated types offer attractive foliage and fragrant flowers, making them valuable in ornamental gardens and containers. [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 plants have established 6+ sets of leaves (typically 4-6 weeks after planting). Pinch or cut stems just above leaf nodes to encourage bushiness. For best flavor, harvest in early morning after dew dries but before sun becomes intense. Continue harvesting throughout growing season; regular harvesting promotes fuller growth. In fall, harvest heavily before first frost to preserve leaves for drying. Cut entire stems back by 1/3 to 1/2 throughout season to maintain vigor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mint is so vigorous that it's considered invasive in many regions; planting in containers or raised beds with barriers is recommended to prevent it from taking over garden areas.
- 🌱 Different mint varieties have remarkably different flavor profiles—chocolate mint tastes like chocolate, apple mint has fruity notes, and pineapple mint smells tropical—all from the same plant family.
- 🌱 Ancient Greeks and Romans valued mint so highly that it was used as a sign of hospitality and was believed to stimulate the mind; it's mentioned in biblical texts as one of the earliest cultivated herbs.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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