Where to Find Mint Seeds for Sale: Varieties, Prices, and Growing Tips

Mint is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that adds robust flavor to drinks, desserts, salads and more While you can purchase established mint plants, starting from seed allows you to choose from the widest selection of mint varieties. This guide covers where to find mint seeds for sale online or locally, prices to expect, and tips for successfully growing different mint varieties from seed.

Mint Seed Varieties

The genus Mentha encompasses over 20 mint species and countless cultivars Popular culinary varieties include

• Spearmint – Classic minty flavor. Widely used in teas, jellies, candies

• Peppermint – Stronger mint flavor with cool aftertaste. Used in desserts and candies. Higher menthol content.

• Pineapple mint – Fruitier mint flavor. Adds tropical essence to drinks and fruit salads.

• Chocolate mint – Mild mint taste with subtle chocolate/cocoa notes. Excellent for desserts and drinks.

• Orange mint – Delicate citrusy mint flavor. Adds zest to beverages and fruit dishes.

• Ginger mint – Spicy undertone mixes with mild mint flavor. Perfect for teas, Asian cuisine.

• Lavender mint – Fragrant floral-mint blend with purple foliage. Used in teas, lemonades, desserts.

• Corsican mint – Savory, peppery mint flavor. Great for meat rubs and sauces.

• Apple mint – Sweet mint with apple overtones. Used in jellies, beverages, baked goods.

With so many choices, it helps to consider how you plan to use the mint before deciding which variety or varieties to plant.

Where to Buy Mint Seeds

Many home and garden centers sell popular herb seeds including mints. For the widest selection of mint varieties, specialty online seed retailers offer dozens of mint types to choose from.

Home Improvement Stores

Stores like Home Depot and Lowes sell a small selection of popular mint seeds including spearmint, peppermint, and sometimes orange mint or pineapple mint. Expect to pay around $2-3 for a seed packet.

Local Nurseries

Well-stocked local nurseries may carry 10+ mint seed varieties beyond basic spearmint and peppermint. Browse unique options like lavender mint, ginger mint, Corsican mint, etc. Expect seed packets priced around $3-5 at independent plant nurseries.

Online Specialty Seed Retailers

For the greatest mint seed variety including harder-to-find options, check out companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Burpee, Territorial Seed Company, and Mountain Valley Growers. Expect prices of $2-3 per seed packet for common types and up to $5 for rare specialty mints.

Some reputable online retailers to find mint seeds for sale include:

• Survival Garden Seeds
• True Leaf Market
• Eden Brothers
• MIgardener
• Seed Savers Exchange

Make sure to check seller reviews and growing zone ratings when ordering seeds online. For the widest variety and best value, specialized online companies are the top source for mint seeds.

Mint Seed Starting Basics

Most mint varieties grow easily from seed with proper planting methods. Here are some tips:

• Planting time – Start mint seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Or direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost.

• Germination – Most mints germinate in 10-15 days when kept moist at 70°F/21°C. Spearmint takes 14-30 days.

• Planting depth – Barely cover tiny mint seeds with 1/8″ soil or seed starting mix. Don’t bury too deeply.

• Soil – Mint thrives in rich, moist soil. Add compost to garden beds before planting.

• Watering – Keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mint hates drying out.

• Sun – Grow mint in full sun to part shade. At least 6 hours of sun per day.

• Spacing – Transplant seedlings 12-18” apart. Give spreading varieties more space up to 2’ apart.

Follow proper planting methods for the best success growing healthy mint plants from seed.

Growing Mint from Seeds

Starting mint from seed takes more time and care than buying transplants. Follow these tips for success:

• Start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Warm soil speeds germination.

• Use small pots or seed trays. Transplant seedlings when 2-4 inches tall. Pinch off tips to encourage bushy growth.

• Harden off transplants for 7-10 days before moving to the garden after frost danger passes.

• Plant in rich moist soil in full sun to part shade. All mints need consistent moisture.

• Cut mint stems back halfway 6-8 weeks after transplanting to encourage branching.

• Harvest lightly the first season as plants establish. Full harvests can begin in year two.

• Watch for reversion especially in variegated or specialty mint varieties. Remove off-type shoots promptly.

With proper care, many types of mint grow readily from seed. Starting with seeds allows you to experience the diversity of mint flavors and fragrances. Just be prepared to wait several months longer than buying transplants. The advantage is you can choose from many more mint varieties.

Storing Unused Mint Seeds

If you don’t use all your mint seeds the first season, store them properly to maintain viability:

• Place unused seeds in an airtight container like a glass jar or resealable plastic bag.

• Add a small packet of silica gel desiccant to absorb moisture and keep seeds dry.

• Label the container with seed type and year collected.

• Store in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator or basement.

• Most mint seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if stored properly and kept dry.

• Discard seeds after 3 years as germination rates decline with age.

With cool, dry, dark storage, leftover mint seeds can be planted in future seasons, extending your investment.

Tips for Buying Mint Plants or Cuttings

If you need mint sooner, buying established plants or cuttings is an instant option:

• Purchase mint transplants from garden centers in spring. Choose young plants with healthy leaves and roots.

• Take 6-8 inch cuttings from a friend’s mint plant. Strip lower leaves and root cuttings in water or potting mix.

• Order certified virus-free mint plants by mail order or online. Avoid bringing home diseases.

• Buy fresh mint bunches from the produce section. Place cut stems in water to sprout roots then plant.

• Divide overgrown mint clumps in early spring or fall. Replant vigorous side shoots in prepared beds.

Established mint transplants quickly provide leaves for harvest. Seeds offer wider selection but take longer. Weigh the pros and cons of buying plants vs starting seeds.

Common Problems When Growing Mint

Mint thrives with minimal care once established, but sometimes issues pop up:

• Seeds don’t sprout – Ensure seeds stay moist during germination. Soil temperature may be too cool.

• Leaves curl or brown – Signs of drought stress. Mint needs consistently moist soil. Or could indicate disease.

• Leaf spots or discoloration – Mint rust and other fungal diseases are common. Improve air circulation.

• Poor flavor or vigor – Could be due to nutrient deficiencies in soil. Test and amend soil pH and nutrients.

• Leggy growth – Needs more sun. Or improper pinching. Ensure at least 6 hours sun and pinch back new growth.

• Invasive spread – Confine mint in containers or beds edged with metal or plastic barriers to prevent escaping via spreading roots.

Catch problems early and determine the cause. Make cultural or soil amendments to maintain vigorous, great-tasting mint.

Enjoying the Benefits of Homegrown Mint

Cool, aromatic mint adds its unmistakable zing to so many dishes. Growing your own mint provides fresh leaves anytime to enjoy:

• Brew hot or iced tea with fresh spearmint, peppermint or flavored mints like orange or lemon.

• Create delicious yogurt smoothies with fruit and homegrown chocolate mint or pineapple mint.

• Craft refreshing mint infused waters, lemonades, cocktails and mocktails.

• Make homemade mint jelly, chutney or pesto with an abundance of fresh mint.

• Candy your own peppermint patties and mint chocolate truffles.

• Add chopped mint to enhance the flavor of fruit salads and cold soups like gazpacho.

• Toss mint, feta and berries together for a quick salad.

The aromatic flavor and versatility of homegrown mint enhances many recipes. With so many mint varieties to choose from, order seeds and get growing!