How to Grow Mint (Other Varieties)

Mint (Other Varieties)

Mentha spp.

herb

Mint encompasses numerous aromatic perennial species beyond common spearmint and peppermint, including apple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint, and many others. These vigorous plants produce fragrant foliage used fresh or dried for teas, culinary dishes, and medicinal purposes. Container growing is ideal for controlling their invasive spreading tendency.

Looking for a specific variety?

Apple Mint Chocolate Mint Orange Mint Pineapple Mint Ginger Mint Variegated Mint

When should you plant Mint (Other Varieties) in your zone?

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Example Mint (Other Varieties) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Mint (Other Varieties)
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Mint (Other Varieties)
Around May 17

≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mint (Other Varieties) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flavor and aroma

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; containers dry faster than ground beds, so check moisture daily during growing season. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants or from container edge inches

📅

Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first harvest after planting

🌱

Planting depth: Surface sowing or shallow planting (0.25 inches) for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or potting soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or sand for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; container cultivation allows year-round growing in any climate

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny leaves emerge within 7-10 days; seedlings develop first true leaves and establish shallow root system

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright indirect light; mist gently if needed; avoid damping off with good air circulation

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and rapidly expanding leaf production; vigorous green growth with increasingly fragrant foliage

Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness; water when top inch of soil is dry; feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; ensure good air circulation in containers

Pre-Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds begin forming at stem tips; foliage reaches peak flavor and fragrance intensity before flowering

Continue pinching off flower buds if growing for foliage only; this directs energy to leaf production; maintain regular harvesting to encourage branching

Flowering

3-6 weeks

Delicate flowers bloom in spikes or clusters (colors vary by variety: purple, pink, white); flowering continues several weeks if conditions are optimal

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and leaf production; flowers are edible and attract pollinators; reduce nitrogen feeding if foliage quality declines

Harvest & Dormancy

Ongoing; dormancy 8-12 weeks in winter

Plant can be harvested year-round in containers; growth slows in winter months; may lose leaves indoors if light is inadequate

Continue harvesting to maintain shape; reduce watering in winter; move indoors before first frost or provide frost protection; provide grow lights indoors for winter harvesting

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Oregano Thyme Parsley Chamomile Lavender Marjoram Other mint varieties (in separate containers)

Avoid planting near:

Parsnip Caraway Cabbage family plants (in same pot) Other aggressive spreading herbs in shared containers

Common Pests

Spray with water to remove; use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; increase humidity around container; isolate affected plants
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate ventilation; remove heavily infested leaves
Wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; isolate infested containers; treat weekly until resolved
Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or copper fungicide if severe; may require plant replacement
Remove affected foliage; improve drainage and air circulation; avoid wetting leaves; apply fungicide if widespread; discard heavily infected plants

Uses

🍳

Teas & Beverages

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves brew aromatic, soothing teas with natural cooling properties. Popular in hot and cold beverages, smoothies, and cocktails. [source]

🍳

Cooking & Garnish

Culinary

Adds fresh flavor to salads, desserts, Middle Eastern dishes, Asian cuisine, and cocktails. Chocolate mint and apple mint varieties offer unique flavor profiles for specialty dishes. [source]

💊

Digestive & Respiratory Health

Medicinal

Mint varieties traditionally support digestion, reduce bloating, and may ease respiratory discomfort. Menthol in mint leaves provides natural cooling and soothing properties. [source]

🏠

Natural Pest Deterrent

Household

Mint plants naturally repel insects, spiders, and rodents. Dried leaves or fresh plants placed strategically deter household pests without chemicals. [source]

🏠

Aromatherapy & Fragrance

Household

Dried leaves retain fragrance for months; use in sachets, potpourri, or steep for aromatic water. Essential oils provide natural air freshening and stress relief. [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 when plant has 6-8 leaves; pinch off growing tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushy growth. For continuous harvest, remove outer stems, leaving inner growth intact. Best flavor just before flowering; morning harvesting after dew dries yields maximum essential oils. Cut stems 1/3 of plant height. Container mint can be harvested year-round indoors with adequate light.

Fun Facts

🌱 Mint is one of the most invasive garden herbs—container growing prevents it from taking over entire gardens through underground rhizome spread.
🌱 Different mint varieties offer distinct flavor profiles: apple mint tastes fruity, chocolate mint offers cocoa notes, orange mint provides citrus tones, and pineapple mint smells tropical, all from the same genus.
🌱 Mint has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was so valued by ancient Romans they used it as currency and served it at banquets; it remains one of the most commercially important herbs globally.

Gardening Terms

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

Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial Pinch Back True Leaves

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