How to Grow Potted Mint? Detailed Planting Methods and Key Points

MintIt is easy to grow and makes a refreshing, cooling tea that is perfect for drinking in the hot summer. Mint also contains menthol and peppermint oil, which are volatile and help repel mosquitoes. Below, a gardening enthusiast shares the growing techniques for potted mint on a home balcony.

There are many varieties of mint, but no matter which one, they all share the same characteristics: strong adaptability, cold tolerance and easy growing, making them very suitable for beginners. Mint grows extremely fast and can be harvested and eaten at any time; making tea or adding it to dishes are both good choices. To quote herb researcher Yu Cixiong, never be afraid to pick herbs; some herbaceous herb plants grow more luxuriantly the more you pick them, and mint is one of them.

I. Key Points for Growing Mint in Home Pots

1. Growing mint in pots at home is also very easy. From March to April, you can dig up thick, white rhizomes, cut them into root segments about 8 cm long, and bury them in the potting soil; new plants will grow in about 20 days. You can also take tender stem tips in May to June and root them as shaded cuttings.

2、MintIt is a perennial plant with a well-developed root system. When repotting and changing the soil every spring, a large number of plants can be separated out. Normally, keep the potting soil on the moist side, and fertilize mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium, applying light fertilizer frequently.

3. Mint likes bright light but not direct sunlight, and it also needs plenty of moisture. Therefore, it is best to water before the soil has completely dried out.

II. How to Grow Mint in Home Pots

1. Flower pot

The bottom must have drainage holes to prevent too much water from staying in the soil and causing root rot.

2. Soil

Fertile, loose soil is most suitable (the flower and bird market has all kinds of pre-mixed soil, which is very suitable for beginners like us).

3. Planting

Put a few small stones at the bottom of the flower pot, pour in part of the soil, press it firm, then place the mint seedling with developed roots into the soil, and gently sprinkle the remaining soil into the pot with your hand. Never press it again with your hand, as this can easily break the fragile roots.

4. Watering

MintIt needs a lot of water, which may be related to the leaves and stems needing to release fragrance. So you can water it every day, watering thoroughly. But the water that flows into the saucer at the bottom must be poured out, otherwise root rot can easily occur.

5. Light

Mint likes sunlight. If it does not see sunlight for a long time, the fragrance becomes weaker and the stems and seedlings become thinner. However, newly planted seedlings should not be exposed to too much sunlight; just place them in a spot with good light.

6. Pruning

MintIt grows very fast. You can prune crooked-growing parts or the top, but do not overdo it.

7. Repotting

Mint has a very strong reproductive capacity. It is estimated that after a few months the roots will fill the flower pot, and it will need repotting to provide nutrients. Stop watering 1-2 days before repotting. After the soil dries slightly, tap the flower pot gently with your hand, knock it out together with the soil and roots, and then move it into a slightly larger pot.