Mint (Mentha) is an enjoyable plant for its edible leaves and pleasant fragrance. Mint also brings pollinators to your garden and is a great plant for beginner gardeners due to its relatively low-maintenance growing habits. With all the perks this perennial provides, perhaps it's time to start growing and enjoying it yourself, whether by cutting from another plant or as a seed.

Growing mint from seed generally begins in the spring, so it can flourish throughout the growing season, though sowing it throughout the year is also possible. If you want to reap the benefits of growing your mint from seed, "harvest" these six tips to help you along the way.

1. Choose Your Favorite Variety

Young Seedling of apple mint, Mentha suaveolens in flowerpot set in rows at garden shop.

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When growing mint from seed, select a type you and your family will adore and use to its full potential.

With more than 3,500 varieties of Mentha to choose from, you are sure to find a type that you'll enjoy! The most common varieties are peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), both reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet tall.

Other lesser-known varieties include chocolate and pineapple mint, each providing its unique flavor twist. With so many plants in the Mentha family, the flavor and scent spectrum vary substantially!

Note: The old adage “what you see is what you get” doesn’t always hold for mint, as sometimes mint seeds don’t grow up to be true to their parent plant.

2. When to Start

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Starting mint seeds can begin indoors as early as eight to 10 weeks before the last frost in spring. If you sow seeds directly into the ground, do so once the threat of frost has passed (typically late March).

Your mint seeds should germinate within 10 to 15 days.

3. How to Start

Gardener Planting Seeds

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The initial sowing process is the same whether indoors or directly into the garden. Place mint seeds ¼ inch down into rich, moist, and well-draining soil. Just barely cover the seed while providing light for germination. In other words, heavy soil coverage will hinder its growth. Your plant will be ready for harvest within two months.

Pro Tip: Mint is an aggressive grower and can overtake other plants. Consider planting in a container or raised bed to control the spread.

4. Keep Seeds Comfortable

Thermometer outside for temperature

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Mint seeds germinate at temperatures of around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and thin out seedlings as they emerge. A few healthy plants are generally enough due to their aggressive growth habits.

If starting the seeds indoors, keep the humidity levels around medium (40 to 50 percent) and in full sun conditions. Transplant the seedlings to their outdoor location once they have two to three leaves.

5. Choose a Location

Mint in a pot

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Mint is a highly tolerant plant that can grow in unfavorable conditions. However, it does have preferences, just like any other plant! This herb prefers full sun to partial shade with rich, moist, well-draining soil. Some mint varieties (like pineapple mint) are susceptible to scorched leaves when in full sun, so check your individual plant's preference.

To help determine where to put it, consider why you are growing mint. The full sun brings about blooms that help attract pollinators to the garden. However, consider partial shade for plants grown for harvestable leaves, as full sun reduces leaf growth.

You must also consider its indoor placement if you keep your mint plant in the kitchen. An east-facing window is best for those morning rays and afternoon shade.

6. Proper Watering

Tap and watering can

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Provide water to your plant regularly, starting from seed. Mint thrives in soil that is lightly moist but not soggy. A general rule is to give this perennial around 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season; however, if outdoors, its location will dictate water requirements. Take into account rainfall, soil conditions, and temperature before giving your plant a drink.

If your plant is getting plenty of sun, it may need water up to once per day, as the sun will dry the soil quickly. Always check the soil for moisture, as overwatering leads to poor plant quality and disease. Sings of overwatering include yellowing foliage, drooping stems, and possible root rot.

For mint plants in containers, check if the top 2 inches of soil are dry before watering. And most importantly, make sure the pot has drainage holes!

It's Mint to Be!

Growing mint from seed is an excellent option for beginner gardeners and provides a high-yielding, aromatic, and flavorful harvest! With a few tips, like when and how to start your seeds, you can feel confident starting your own. It's the 'encourage-mint' you need!

Is mint part of your home garden? Share your favorite mint-growing tips in the comment section below!