Mint (Mentha), a genus of aromatic herbs in the Lamiaceae family—alongside sage and rosemary—is widely appreciated for its versatility in culinary, medicinal, and ornamental settings. Our hardy plants manager, Paul says that ‘mint comes in all different varieties, ranging from traditional peppermint and spearmint, to chocolate & pineapple mint.’
In the kitchen, mint provides a refreshing burst of flavour, enhancing everything from lamb and salads to desserts and herbal teas. Medicinally, it supports digestion, soothes headaches, and helps relieve cold symptoms. Even those who rarely use it in cooking find value in growing mint. Its lush green foliage, fast-growing nature, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies make it an attractive and beneficial addition to any garden.
Did you know? Mint can communicate chemically!
When a mint plant is damaged by pests, it releases a volatile organic compound like menthol into the air; not just as a defence, but also as a warning signal to nearby plants!
Growing Mint in the UK
In the UK, mint grows across all regions due to the mild, temperate climate. It thrives in any type of garden, from urban to rural areas, allotments or kitchen gardens!
Climate & Hardiness
Mint is a hardy perennial herb that thrives in temperate climates & can tolerate a range of conditions, but grows best in temperatures 13-21c. Mint can also survive light frosts & will regenerate each spring after winter dieback.
Soil Requirements
Mint is adaptable, but prefers loamy, moisture-retentive soil which is slightly acidic to neutral. Drainage must be moist, but well-drained, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Keep compost consistently damp, but not saturated.
Is mint easy to grow?
Yes, mint is very easy to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives with fairly minimal effort. Our greenhouse manager Clayre says: ‘Be careful where you position your mint, as it can spread aggressively!’
Propagation
You can start mint through seeds, cuttings or transplants
- Seeds: Start indoors before the last frost, mint seeds can sometimes be slow and unreliable, producing variable plants
- Cuttings: The easiest and fastest method. Take a 10-15cm stem cutting, strip the lower leaves and place in water or moist compost.
- Transplants: Buy young plants from a nursery or divide an established plant
Planting
Mint can go outdoors late spring, after the last frost, but you can start mint indoors or in a greenhouse earlier in March. In the south west, you can extend planting in to early autumn with the right care. Make sure to space mint 30-45cm apart, so they have airflow and room to spread.
Winter Care
Mint is fully hardy in the uk, it dies back in winter, but regrows in spring. In most areas of the UK, there’s no special protection needed, but you can plant in a container to make moving it during especially cold snaps easier.
Pruning & Harvesting
Pinch back young shoots to encourage bushiness, cut back by half in midsummer to prevent flowering and maintain flavour. In autumn cut plants back.
Begin harvesting once the plant reaches 10-15cm, best harvested in the morning. Pick leaves as needed or harvest entire stems and dry for use later.
Storage
Storing fresh mint can help preserve its flavour and longevity. There are a few effective ways to do so.
Once you’ve picked your leaves, you can place your stems in water & cover with a plastic bag which will keep for 7-10 days! For longer term storing, you can either freeze & bag mint leaves for keeping for 6 months, or air dry by hanging bundles until they’re crisp and store in a jar!
Mint is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow- no matter if it’s in your garden, on a balcony or in a small kitchen pot. It grows quickly, smells amazing, and adds a fresh burst of flavour to drinks, meals or desserts! Beyond it’s culinary use, mint has natural health benefits: soothes digestion, freshens breath and repels pests!
With minimal effort, mint will reward you with a lush, aromatic herb at your fingertips year-round! Perfect for novice or seasoned gardeners.