{"id":487,"date":"2023-02-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=487"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:45:36","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:45:36","slug":"how-to-grow-peppermint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Peppermint &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Peppermint.png\" alt=\"peppermint plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nPeppermint, botanically known as Mentha Piperita, is a versatile herb that can be easily grown at home. Read on to discover the essentials of growing peppermint and common mistakes to avoid throughout the process.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Peppermint\" title=\"Quick Reference Guide for Growing Peppermint\">Quick Reference Guide for Growing Peppermint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Peppermint\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Peppermint\">Best Time to Plant Peppermint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#How_to_Plant_Peppermint_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Peppermint the Right Way\">How to Plant Peppermint the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Peppermint\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Peppermint\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Peppermint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#How_Much_to_Water_Peppermint\" title=\"How Much to Water Peppermint\">How Much to Water Peppermint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Peppermint_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Peppermint to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Peppermint to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#When_to_Harvest_Peppermint\" title=\"When to Harvest Peppermint\">When to Harvest Peppermint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#What_Can_Peppermint_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Peppermint Be Used For?\">What Can Peppermint Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#Can_Peppermint_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Peppermint Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Peppermint Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-peppermint\/#Are_Peppermint_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Peppermint Safe for Bees?\">Are Peppermint Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Peppermint\"><\/span>Quick Reference Guide for Growing Peppermint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Category<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Best Time to Plant<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Early spring after the last frost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Soil Type<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Sandy or clay soil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Soil pH<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">6.0 &#8211; 7.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Spacing<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">12 to 18 inches apart<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Sunlight<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Full sun, at least 6 hours or more<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Watering<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Keep soil damp to touch, not soggy or bone dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Germination Time<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">12-15 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Time to Harvest<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">85-90 days from seed to harvest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Harvesting<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Before flowers appear, usually midway through the growing season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Food Use<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Meat dishes, potato dishes, iced drinks, ice cream, and more<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Flavor Profile<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Cool and refreshing mint<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Growing in Containers<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Yes, use 12&#8243;+ containers with drainage holes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold;\">Safe for Bees<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black;\">Yes, bee-friendly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Peppermint\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Peppermint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While the ideal planting time depends on your local climate, a good rule of thumb is to plant peppermint seeds in early spring after the last winter frost. This ensures that the seedlings have the best chance of surviving the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To determine when peppermint is most likely to thrive in your area, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Peppermint_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Peppermint the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Considering various factors can help you avoid common mistakes when growing peppermint in your home garden.<\/p>\n<p>Soil quality is often overlooked but has a significant impact on peppermint growth. Ideally, your soil should be sandy or clay. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil pH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>Plant the seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart, sowing them at a depth of roughly 0.063 inches. For each plant, sow a few seeds to ensure that at least one germinates.<\/p>\n<p>Thin or transplant the peppermint seedlings when they reach 2 inches in height.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Peppermint\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Peppermint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ensuring the right amount of sunlight is crucial for a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your peppermint, while insufficient sunlight can stunt its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your peppermint should receive full sun, which means as much sunlight as possible or at least 6 hours or more per day.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Peppermint\"><\/span>How Much to Water Peppermint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many factors can affect the success of your peppermint, including the amount of water it receives.<\/p>\n<p>The soil should be damp to the touch, neither soggy nor bone dry. If the leaves on your peppermint change colors or appear droopy, adjust the watering amount.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that overwatering or underwatering can kill the plant, so monitor it closely and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Peppermint_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Peppermint to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The exciting part begins as you watch your peppermint grow. It takes approximately 12-15 days to germinate and a total of 85-90 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Peppermint\"><\/span>When to Harvest Peppermint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The ideal time to harvest your peppermint is just before flowers appear, usually midway through the growing season.<\/p>\n<p>Peppermint can grow up to about 4.5 x 2.3 cm in size.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Peppermint_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Peppermint Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> This versatile herb can be used in meat dishes, potato dishes, iced drinks, ice cream, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Cool and refreshing mint.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Peppermint_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Peppermint Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, peppermint can be grown in pots and containers. Ideally, use a 12&#8243;+ container with drainage holes for each plant. This helps control weeds and prevents the plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>Growing peppermint in containers also offers the flexibility to move the plant around as needed to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Peppermint_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Peppermint Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, peppermint plants are safe for bees.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that account for about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, it is essential to note that growing peppermint is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Peppermint, botanically known as Mentha Piperita, is a versatile herb that can be easily grown at home. Read on to discover the essentials of growing peppermint and common mistakes to avoid throughout the process. Quick Reference Guide for Growing Peppermint Category Details Best Time to Plant Early spring after the last frost Soil Type Sandy or clay soil Soil pH 6.0 &#8211; 7.5 Spacing 12 to 18 inches apart Sunlight Full sun, at least 6 hours or more Watering Keep soil damp to touch, not soggy or bone dry Germination Time 12-15 days Time to Harvest 85-90 days from seed <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":399,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,233,232],"tags":[22,77],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/487"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=487"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/487\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":920,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/487\/revisions\/920"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}