Introducing the Mint Plant!
I love mint, you love mint, everybody loves mint.
How lovely would it be to make a cup of fresh mint leaf tea?
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Or to pluck a fistful of mint to garnish a dessert or to finish off a cocktail?
Luckily, growing mint indoors is done very easily and anyone can have their very own indoor mint plant.
This is because these interesting plants are able to hybridize naturally with other mint species where growing ranges overlap!
But first, lets go through some preliminary information about these incredible herbs.
How do you Grow Mint Indoors?
Now its the time for what weve all been waiting for: learning how to grow mint indoors.
Growing mint indoors can happen either through planting mint seed or through planting mint cutting.
Most gardeners will avoid sowing seed because mint seeds are highly variable and some varieties have sterile seeds.
For this reason, we will go through growing mint through cuttings.
This is a very effective method and a mint cutting will grow all year round.
They dont need it, but potting soil amended with organic matter will make them happy as well.
Just see to it that you have a pot that is big enough for the plant.
When you first plant your cutting it will be happy to have some extra warmth and moisture.
Growing in Water you’re free to also grow a mint cutting in a clear glass of water!
It was grow endlessly in water as long as it is placed in a sunny window.
Always ensure to be regularly switching out for fresh water if your mint is growing in a glass.
If you ever decide to transplant to soil, you will notice an explosion of growth.
Sun Exposure one main thing that a mint plant will require is sunlight.
A grow light should be placed around 5 inches directly above the mint seedling.
The growth habit of the plant will tell you if the distance is correct or not.
Set the timer for 10 hours per day.
This is clear by the fact that they will grow near bodies of water when growing wild.
It is also important not to over-water your plant.
Stick your finger in the soil to check out the moisture level.
It the soil is dry a couple of inches deep, its time to water your mint plant.
Simply choose a well balanced liquid fertilizer.
Harvest mint leaves that are larger and leave the smaller ones to continue growing.
you’re able to either harvest individual leaves are take any entire stalk.
This will also encourage a full and bushy growth habit.
What do Mint Plants Look Like?
Underneath the earth, mint plants grow from stolons that spread very quickly.
Mint plants also grow in height super quickly and can obtain heights between 6 and 48 inches tall.
Erect, branching and square shaped stems are covered with leaves arranged in opposite pairs.
The leaf, shape, size, and color will vary according to the specific species.
Mint leaves can be oblong, ovular, or lanceolate and they are usually covered in small hairs.
They bear clusters of flowers that are either white or purple.
How is Mint Used?
Mint can be used both in sweet dishes and savory dishes alike.
Have you ever had fresh mint tea?
It is also the main component for peppermint essential oil.
Mint essential oil is known for helping with digestive issues and abdominal pain.
It is also used in aromatherapy and has soothing and calming effects.
Companion Planting herbs with very fragrant leaves are known as being essential when it comes to companion planting.
This is because their fragrant leaves deter unwanted insects and attract beneficial insects.
What are some Notable Mint Varieties?
Peppermint(Mentha Piperita) peppermint is a hybrid mint variety between watermint and spearmint.
This is a very well known bang out of mint.
Peppermint is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant that can grow to be anywhere from 12-35 inches tall.
It bears dark green leaves and purple flowers.
Its known for being very easy to grow.
Orange mint is a prized culinary herb and bears deep green leaves accompanied by light pink flowers.
There is a very popular of this variety called chocolate mint.
Chocolate mint is said to smell and taste just like an After Eight cookie!
Where do Mint Plants Come From?
Mint plants can grow literally everywhere.
When growing wild, mint plants can found growing prosperously near bodies of water.
Its also important to note that when grown unchecked, mint plants can very quickly become invasive.
They spread prolifically both underground and throwing spreading seed.
If youre growing mint as an indoor plant, you dont need to worry about it spreading seed indoors.
FAQs
Are mint plants deer resistant?
Those fragrant fresh leaves are exactly the punch in of snack that they dont like!
What are the damaging agents to mint plants?
Are mint plants perennials?
What USDA growing zone can mint plants grow in?
Are mint plants an invasive species?
Mint plants are prolific growers and can very quickly become invasive if they are left unchecked.
They can take over any garden or wild space both through spreading seed or through their underground stolons.
How often should a mint plant be watered?
This is clear by the fact that they will grow near bodies of water when growing wild.
When should mint be harvested?
Do mint plants prefer full sun or partial shade?
One main thing that a mint plant will require is sunlight.
Where can I buy mint seeds?
What is the ideal soil bang out for a mint plant?
They dont need it, but potting soil amended with organic matter will make them happy as well.
What is the easiest way to propagate mint?
The easiest way to propagate mint is through taking a stem cutting.
Taking a healthy cutting with a few leaves on it is a very quick way to propagate a plant.
Potted mint will grow happily indoors.
How tall do mint plants get?
