Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) was initially considered to belong to its own species. Later, it was found that the plant was a cross between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica).
This amazingly aromatic herb is one of the oldest herbs used for ritual, culinary, and medicinal purposes. Today it is used for aesthetics, being cherished for its lovely refreshing fragrance and taste.
Peppermint is one of the most popular and recognizable herbs beloved for its fresh, minty aroma and taste. But did you know you can easily grow this versatile herb at home – starting from seed?
While peppermint is readily available at the grocery store, homegrown peppermint is more flavorful, aromatic, and cost effective. Plus, with just a little effort, you’ll have an abundant supply of peppermint on hand to use in teas, desserts, homemade beauty products, and more.
Follow this comprehensive guide to learn all about peppermint and how to successfully grow it from seed Soon your kitchen will be filled with the invigorating scent of fresh, homegrown peppermint
An Overview of Peppermint
Before diving into growing tips. let’s cover some peppermint basics
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Botanical name: Mentha x piperita
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Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
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Native range: Europe and the Middle East
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USDA Zones: 3-11
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Mature size: 1-3 feet tall
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Light needs: Part sun to full sun
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Soil needs: Moist, fertile soil
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Peppermint facts:
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A natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint
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Has a high menthol content, giving it a strong, cooling flavor
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Mint family plant with trademark square stems
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Very hardy once established
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Can be invasive, so contain it or grow in pots
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Uses for peppermint: Culinary, teas, homemade products, herbal remedies, potpourri
Now let’s look at how to harness peppermint’s benefits by growing it yourself.
Starting Peppermint from Seed
When to plant: You can start peppermint seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Or, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Peppermint can also be planted in fall in warm regions.
Where to plant: Start seeds indoors in pots or seed trays. Use a quality potting mix. For direct sowing, prepare a garden bed with rich, moist soil amended with compost. Select a site with partial shade.
Planting depth: Barely press peppermint seeds into the soil surface. Do not cover them.
Germination time: 7-20 days
Seedling care: Keep soil consistently moist. Move seedlings to larger pots as they grow. Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors.
Transplanting: Space peppermint plants 12-24 inches apart in the garden. Keep soil moist while plants establish.
Days to harvest: 85-95 days from seed to harvest
Growing Peppermint in the Garden
Once your peppermint seedlings are settled into the garden, here are some tips for a bountiful harvest:
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Peppermint thrives with consistent moisture. Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry.
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Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Leave a gap near the crown.
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Fertilize peppermint monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea.
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Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf production.
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Harvest leaves frequently by pinching stems right above leaf nodes. New growth will continually emerge.
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In zones 3-6, mulch plants heavily in fall for winter protection. Peppermint dies back but returns in spring.
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Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mint rust. Control with neem oil, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
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Contain peppermint’s spreading roots and runners by planting in pots or garden borders. It can be invasive.
With proper site selection and care, your peppermint will thrive and provide an abundant harvest.
Harvesting and Using Homegrown Peppermint
One of the joys of growing your own peppermint is having a bountiful supply of fresh leaves on hand. Here’s how to make the most of your harvest:
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When to harvest: Pick leaves any time during the growing season once plants are established. Choose young, tender leaves for best flavor.
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How to harvest: Cut stems right above leaf nodes using pruners or scissors. Don’t remove more than one-third of growth at once.
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How to store: Peppermint leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Rinse and pat leaves dry before storing.
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How to dry: Hang small bunches of stems upside down or lay single layers on dehydrator trays. Crumble dried leaves and store in an airtight container.
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How to freeze: Place clean leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Transfer to freezer bags.
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How to use: Add peppermint to teas, beverages, desserts, salads, meat dishes, and more. Use dried leaves in sachets or potpourri.
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Extracting essential oils: Distill leaves to make peppermint extract or essential oil. Use for homemade beauty/health products.
With such versatility, it’s easy to use up abundant harvests from your peppermint patch. Enjoy its refreshing flavor and fragrance all year long.
Troubleshooting Common Peppermint Problems
Growing your own peppermint is relatively trouble-free, but watch for these potential issues:
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Poor germination: Ensure seeds are not buried and soil is kept evenly moist. Apply bottom heat.
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Leggy seedlings: Increase light exposure and avoid overcrowding.
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Yellow leaves: This indicates overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry before watering again.
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Wilting plants: Drought-stressed peppermint wilts easily. Water more consistently.
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Leaf spots/discoloration: Mint rust is a fungal disease. Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
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Holes in leaves: Watch for caterpillars and other leaf-chewing insects. Remove pests by hand or use organic sprays.
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Failure to thrive: Peppermint may decline if soil nutrients are depleted. Fertilize plants and top dress with compost.
With close observation and quick action, most peppermint problems can be corrected easily. Your plants will reward you with an abundant harvest.
The Satisfaction of Homegrown Peppermint
As you can see, growing peppermint from seed is a very achievable project for gardeners. With a bit of time and care, you’ll enjoy the convenience and superior flavor of homegrown peppermint.
Watching those tiny seeds transform into a flourishing peppermint patch is an incredibly rewarding experience. And being able to harvest peppermint right outside your door whenever you need it makes all the difference in your cooking and homemade products.
If you’ve ever considered trying your hand at growing herbs from seed, peppermint is a perfect choice. Its versatility, fragrance, hardiness and ease of growth add up to garden satisfaction.
So don’t hesitate – go grab some peppermint seeds and let your journey begin! Soon your kitchen will be filled with that unmistakable scent of fresh, homemade peppermint.
Temperature and Humidity
Peppermint is very hardy and can survive light frosts, but it can’t handle long cold spells in cold places (USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 5 and below). It grows best when the temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can also do well above or below that range without any problems. If you think it will be warmer than usual, keep the soil moist and keep an eye out for too much growth caused by humidity.
Light
Peppermint can grow in full sun or partial shade. It can even tolerate some dappled shade, unlike most herbs.
How to Grow Peppermint From Seed / How to Prune Back / DMGV
When can I plant Peppermint seeds?
Peppermint is a very hardy plant, so late spring is not the only time you can plant. Peppermint can be grown anytime between the last frost of spring and 2 months before the first frost of fall. Rather than planting the seeds outside, you can also begin growing the seeds inside.
How do you grow Peppermint seeds?
Press the peppermint seeds on the surface of seed starting mix. The seeds will be tiny, so use care and do not press too hard. You do not need to bury the seeds with soil. Keep the soil moist and germination will occur in five to ten days and perhaps sooner if the soil is kept warm with a heat mat.
How do I start a peppermint plant?
If you’ve opted to start your peppermint project with seeds, the first step is ensuring they’re viable. To do this, soak the seeds in warm water overnight before planting them directly into your planter of choice (clay pots are preferable as they allow better ventilation).
Can Peppermint seeds grow outside?
Your house will be warm enough that the seeds will grow even through winter. However, if you plant to grow your peppermint outside, the best time to plant is in the late spring. Late spring is when the environment will be moist and warm, but not too hot.
