Detailed Guide to Growing and Caring for Potted Mint

SummaryPlanting time: Potted mint is generally planted in spring from March to April, or in autumn from September to October. Soil requirements: Growing in sandy soil is better. Growing temperature: It can survive in low-temperature environments of minus 15°C. Light requirements: It likes sunlight and can tolerate full sun. Precautions: During the growing period, apply nitrogen fertilizer once a month, together with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Water demand is relatively high in the early and middle growth stages, so water once every half month, and stop watering before harvest. Regularly prune out old plants, and replace the potting soil every spring.

I. Growing Methods for Potted Mint

1. Planting Time

Seed propagation: Sowing can generally be carried out in spring from March to April or in autumn from September to October.

Rhizome propagation: Planting is carried out from late March to early April in spring or around late October before winter.

2. Soil Requirements

Mint has low soil requirements, and most soils can be used for planting. Except for soil that is too sandy, too clayey, relatively strongly acidic, or low-lying with poor drainage, sandy soil is generally best for planting. The suitable soil pH for planting is around 6-7.5.

3. Growing Environment

Mint has a relatively strong ability to adapt to the environment. It generally grows in areas below 2100 m in altitude. If it grows in damp places beside water, it can grow at altitudes of up to about 3500 m.

4. Growing Temperature

Mint also has a relatively strong ability to adapt to temperature. It can survive at a low temperature of minus 15°C, but its growth rate is relatively slow. The optimal growing temperature is 25-30°C. At this time, proper water and fertilizer help accelerate its growth rate.

5. Light Requirements

Mint likes sunlight by nature and is a long-day crop.

II. Precautions for Growing Mint

1. Fertilization: Mint likes fertilizer. During the growing period, fertilizer needs to be applied once a month, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, applied together with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. During the growing period, stems and leaves need to be harvested. In order to promote the plant's recovery of a good plant shape, timely topdressing is needed after harvest.

2. Reasonable Watering: Mint has a relatively high water demand in the early and middle stages and the early growth stage. Water once every half month. From emergence to harvest, it needs to be watered 4-5 times. After the rows close, water lightly to prevent excessive stem and leaf growth, which can cause lodging and leaf shedding. Stop watering about 20-25 days before harvest. In winter, appropriate watering is needed. Rice-washing water can be used for irrigation, which is more beneficial to mint growth.

3. Reasonable Pruning: Mint needs regular pruning, cutting out old plants that have no fresh fragrance.

4. Replacing Potting Soil: Generally, replace the potting soil every spring. Many plants can be separated out. Usually, be sure to keep the potting soil moist.

III. Disease Prevention and Control

1. Black shank: It often occurs at the seedling stage. Symptoms include blackening and rot at the base of the stem, causing the plant to wilt and lodge. It can be controlled by spraying chlorothalonil or carbendazim diluted with water.

2. Spot blight: It generally occurs from May to October. In the early stage of the disease, 65{bf} zineb 500-fold solution can be used for spraying, once a week.

3. Rust disease: It often occurs from May to July. A 25{bf} triadimefon 1000-1500-fold solution can be used for leaf spraying.