How to Grow Mint

Beginner-Friendly

Mentha spp.

An aggressive perennial herb — grow in containers to prevent spreading. Many varieties: spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
60–90 days
typical
Per Square Foot
4
Plant Spacing
15 cm / 6"
Sun
4+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Plant in containers even within beds — mint spreads aggressively via runners. Perennial in zones 3–8.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Mentha spicata

(1)
Spearmint
Open-Pollinated

vigorous spreader; best all-purpose culinary mint

Height
24–39" (60–100 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy

Mentha x piperita

(2)
Chocolate Mint
Hybrid

chocolate-mint aroma; vigorous spreading perennial

Height
12–24" (30–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
difficult
Peppermint
Hybrid

sterile hybrid; spreading perennial

Height
12–35" (30–90 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
difficult

Mild sweet apple-like flavour

(1)
Apple
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

non-invasive for mint; good for teas and desserts

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (14 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
0 years

Spearmint type

(1)
Morocco
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

standard mint for mojitos; vigorous grower; best in containers

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
0 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside mint, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Cabbage : Mint deters cabbage moths (grow in containers)
Squash : Mint deters squash bugs (grow in containers)
Kale : Mint deters flea beetles from kale (grow in containers)
Cauliflower : Mint deters cabbage pests from cauliflower (grow in containers)
Broccoli : Mint deters cabbage pests from brassicas (grow in containers)
Tomato : Mint deters aphids from tomatoes
Peas : Mint deters pea moths

Keep Apart

Strawberry : Mint spreads aggressively and overtakes strawberry beds
Lavender : Mint's aggressive spreading and moisture needs conflict with lavender's dry preferences

Square Foot Spacing

4 per sq ft

6" apart (2×2 grid)

View full spacing chart →

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