Light requirements: Full sun to part shade . Protect plants from hot afternoon sun in southerly zones. Planting: Space 18 to 24 inches apart. Soil requirements: Nutrient-rich, moist soil is ideal, although mint grows in nearly any type of soil.
How do you take care of a potted peppermint plant?
Indoor mint prefers fairly moist soil . In between thorough waterings allow the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so to become dry and then water again. Depending on if you are growing in a terra cotta pot versus plastic or glazed ceramic, and also on how much light you are giving your plant, the time in between watering will vary.
How do you take care of a peppermint plant?
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Plant in full sun to part shade.
- Keep plants in check through pruning and dividing.
What do you do with peppermint plants?
Another peppermint plant use is, of course, in food. Chop peppermint into fresh fruit salad or cool down fiery curries with a few sprigs. Two classic pairings are mint and fresh spring peas or mint jelly with lamb. Think outside the box and add mint to other veggies such as carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini.
How do you keep peppermint plants alive?
Mint grows best in soil that is medium rich and evenly moist but not soggy . You may not need to water your mint plant every if you are living in a hot, dry environment. Water the mint when the top 1 inch of the soil starts to dry. Allow the excess moisture to drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
Does peppermint plants keep bugs away?
Some varieties of mint, such as peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), also have insect repellent properties . ... Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
Why does my mint keep dying?
A dying mint plant is usually because of under watering or as a result of mint that is planted in a pot that is too small and therefore has limited moisture and nutrients. If your mint is wilting and turning brown this is likely because of dry soil and under watering.
How often should I water my peppermint plant?
Water potted mint 2 or 3 times per week and increase watering if the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry. Water once every day in the morning for seeds and emerging seedling. As seedlings mature water every 2 days.
Does peppermint plant spread?
Peppermint plants grow between 18-36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Peppermint spreads by runners that spread above and just below the ground’s surface . Peppermint often becomes invasive in the home garden. Specialized cells produce peppermint oil in the leaves of the peppermint plant.
Will peppermint plants grow in shade?
Mint is one of the best choices for a shady spot. ... For best results, make mint a container plant or pot it before adding it to garden beds. In the shade, mint can sprawl toward sunlight , so keep it trimmed to prevent it from getting leggy.
Do peppermint plants come back every year?
Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring . Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container.
Where does peppermint grow best?
Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in light soil with good drainage . Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks. Most will grow in sun or partial shade; the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.
Is there a difference between peppermint and mint?
The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family . Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
Sprinkle the soil with a little time-release fertilizer if you wish. Water in the plants well. Finally, positioning your fingers like mine in the photo at left, pinch off the top two to four leaves on each plant . This will make the mint branch out and become bushy.
Why is my peppermint plant wilting?
The most common reason for wilting mint is because of dehydration due to dry soil that drains too quickly or under watering . Mint prefers consistently moist soil otherwise the leaves can droop. ... Mint plants can become leggy due to a lack of sunlight, too much fertilizer or a lack of regular pruning.
