How to grow Mint indoors : 10 Easy Steps to Follow

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: July 9, 2023

SECTIONS

Are you a mint lover who can’t resist the fresh and refreshing aroma of this popular herb? Would you like access to Mint all year round, regardless of the season or weather outside?

This comprehensive guide will teach you how to grow Mint indoors successfully. You don’t need a green thumb or much space to start your indoor mint garden. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy fresh mint leaves in your meals, drinks, and desserts whenever you want.

Ready to find out how to grow Mint indoors like a pro?

About Mint

Mint is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It has a refreshing aroma and a cooling sensation, making it a popular ingredient in food, drinks, and personal care products. Mint plants can grow up to 2-3 feet tall, and they have small, lance-shaped leaves that come in different shades of green, from light to dark. Mint is a perennial plant that can survive for several years if cared for properly.

Related: Herb gardening 101

Why Should You Grow Mint Now?

Mint is easy to grow indoors and requires minimal maintenance.
You can harvest fresh mint leaves all year round, regardless of the season or weather outside.
Mint has many culinary and medicinal uses, from making tea and cocktails to relieving headaches and cold symptoms.
Mint is an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought herbs and pesticides.
Mint can add a touch of greenery and freshness to your indoor space and improve air quality.
Mint can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden and support biodiversity.
Mint leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. Mint is also a natural insect repellent that can deter pests in your indoor garden.

Related: How to start your vegetable garden.

Which Mint Varieties You Can Grow?

Peppermint: has a strong and spicy flavor, often used in candy, gum, and toothpaste.
Spearmint: has a sweet and mild flavor, often used in tea, cocktails, and lamb dishes.
Chocolate mint: has a chocolatey and minty flavor, often used in desserts, ice cream, and hot cocoa.
Pineapple mint: has a fruity and tangy flavor, often used in salads, drinks, and marinades.
Lemon mint: has a citrusy and minty flavor, often used in tea, salads, and fish dishes.
Apple mint: has an apple and mint flavor, often used in fruit salads, drinks, and sauces.

Related: Growing dill in pots.

When Should You Plant Mint?

You can plant Mint indoors any time of the year if you can provide the right growing conditions. However, Mint usually grows faster and stronger in the spring and summer, with higher temperatures and humidity.

Where Should You Plant Mint?

Mint can be planted in various containers, such as pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes, as long as they have good drainage and enough space for the roots to grow. Mint can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, so ensure the container is at least 8-10 inches deep and wide. You can also mix different mint varieties in the same container if they have similar growing requirements. Avoid planting Mint near other herbs or vegetables sensitive to its strong scent or invasive growth, such as parsley, chamomile, or lettuce.

How to Grow Mint Indoors? Planting Steps

1 How to grow mint indoors from seeds

If you’re starting with seeds, here’s how to plant Mint:

Fill a seed tray with a high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter and good drainage.
Sprinkle a few mint seeds on top of the soil, ensuring they’re evenly spaced and not too close to the edge of the pot.
Then, cover the seeds with soil and gently press down.
Water the soil gently using a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine spout.
After that, place the seed tray in a warm area with ample light, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Wait for the seeds to germinate in about 7-10 days.
Once a few sets of leaves appear, you can transplant them to a larger container or separate them into individual pots.

Related: Container gardening 101

2 How to grow mint indoors from Cuttings

Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting mint from cuttings:

Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from an established mint plant using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Dip the stem in rooting hormone powder or honey, which can promote root growth.
Plant the stem in a pot filled with a moist but not waterlogged, high-quality potting mix.
Then cover the pot with a clear dome or plastic bag, which can help retain moisture and create a humid environment.
Place the pot in a bright, warm area, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Wait for the cutting to root in about 2-3 weeks.
Once the cutting has developed roots and new leaves, you can transplant it to a larger container or separate it into individual pots.

3 How to grow mint indoors from seedings

Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting mint from seedlings:

Choose a healthy seedling from a nursery or garden center. Look for a plant with no signs of wilting or disease.
Fill a pot or container with a high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter and good drainage.
Dig a small hole in the mix and gently place the seedling into it, making sure the roots are covered with soil.
Water the soil gently using a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine spout.
Place the pot in a warm area but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Once the plant has established and developed new growth, you can transplant it to a larger container or separate it into individual pots.

How to Care for Your Mint Plants?

Watering: Mint plants are relatively low-maintenance but need consistent moisture to thrive. Water your plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mint plants can also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity around the leaves.
Lighting: Mint plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate some shade. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves become pale or yellowish. On the other hand, if the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves may scorch or wilt.
Temperature: Mint plants are hardy and can tolerate various temperatures but prefer cooler conditions. Avoid placing your plant in a room that gets too hot or cold, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Fertilizer: Mint plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from occasional feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning: Mint plants can become invasive if left unchecked, so regular pruning is important to keep them under control. Pinch off the tips regularly to encourage bushy growth, and trim any leggy or yellowing stems. You can also harvest the leaves regularly for culinary or medicinal use, which will help keep the plant compact and healthy.

Watch out for Common Pests and diseases

Mint plants grown indoors in containers are not very susceptible to pests and diseases. But some of the pests and diseases of mint are as follows:

Spider mites: These tiny pests can be problematic in hot, dry conditions. Symptoms include webbing between leaves and tiny speckles on the leaves. To control spider mites, try increasing humidity around the plant and spraying the leaves with a gentle stream of water.
Whiteflies: These small, white insects are a common problem in indoor gardens. They suck sap from the leaves, resulting in wilting and yellowing of leaves. Whiteflies can be found in many regions and controlled with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or yellow sticky traps.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can occur in humid conditions, causing a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be found in many areas and can be controlled by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. You can also use a fungicidal spray to control the disease.
Rust: It is another fungal disease that can affect mint plants grown indoors. It causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and is more common in humid conditions. To control rust, remove any infected leaves and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. You can also use a fungicidal spray.

Related: Companion planting 101

How long does it take to grow Mint?

Mint is a fast-growing plant that can usually be harvested for the first time within three to four weeks after planting. However, the exact time it takes for Mint to grow can depend on various factors, such as the growing conditions, the variety of Mint, and how it is propagated. Generally, Mint can be harvested several times throughout the growing season, lasting from spring until fall.

Related: Growing peppers indoors

Tips for Harvesting and Storing Mint?

Harvest regularly to encourage growth and prevent the plants from becoming woody or leggy.
Pick the leaves in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
Rinse the leaves gently with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
Pat the leaves dry or let them air dry on a clean surface.
Store fresh Mint in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week.
Freeze mint leaves for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen.
Store dried Mint in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Related: How to grow lettuce indoors

Still here?

Now you don’t have to look anymore for the answer to ” How to grow mint indoors?” Using our guide, you can successfully cultivate, harvest, and preserve your mint plants. Not only does it add a delightful aroma to your living space, it also serves as a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations.

So, don’t hold back; get your hands dirty and enjoy the many benefits Mint offers. Trust us, once you start, you won’t get enough of this fragrant herb!