| Common Name | Mint (includes Apple, Peppermint, Kentucky Colonel, Spearmint, Variegated Pineapple, Chocolate, Orange, Strawberry, Mojito, Jessica's Sweet Pear) |
| Genus | Mentha |
| Species | Various (e.g., Mentha spicata for spearmint, Mentha x piperita for peppermint) |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy perennial in USDA Zones 3-9; will likely perennialize across the entire USA but might perform as an annual in colder regions, or in areas with no winter chill (Zones 10 and warmer). |
| Tray Size | 50 (half tray) |
| Plug Care | Plant plugs promptly upon arrival to avoid rootbound conditions. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harden off plugs before transplanting if weather conditions are extreme. Mature plants can tolerate some frost, but new plug may be more sensitive to cold and sun exposure. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary; mint has a sprawling growth habit. Consider netting to keep stems upright for easier harvest. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in moderate temperatures of 55-70°F; heat-tolerant but prefers cooler growing conditions. Established plants are frost tolerant but newly planted plugs may not be. |
| Spacing | Space plants 12-18 inches apart for optimal air circulation and growth. Mint spreads vigorously; consider containment methods to prevent overgrowth. Some mints are much less vigorous than others (like Variegated Pineapple Mint) - may need to research each specific variety to determine how aggressive they may be if that is a great concern. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). Moisture-retentive soils are ideal for vigorous growth. A great option for problematic low-lying areas that remain wet all year, but be prepared for the mint to take over. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral; grows well in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces more aromatic foliage and better quality stems for cutting. Afternoon shade is likely beneficial in the south. |
| Pinching | Regularly pinch or cut back stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce foliage quality. The more you harvest, the more stems you'll get! |
| When to Plant | Plant plugs in early spring after the danger of frost has passed if you hope to harvest from the plant in the same year. You can likely get away with planting Mint throughout the summer until early fall - they're tough and should establish and overwinter just fine from a later planting. |
| Harvesting | Harvest stems just before flowering for the best stem length and aroma. Cut stems down to a leaf node to encourage regrowth. Harvest early in the morning when plants are most hydrated. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place stems in water immediately after cutting. Mint has a vase life of 7-10 days. Use floral preservatives to extend vase life (optional); frequent water changes help maintain freshness. Cut Mint stems will often root in the vase and will continue to grow/can be planted back into the garden as a new plant. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally hardy, but susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, and aphids. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Any of these issues will cause blemishes on the leaves, making them unsuitable as cut foliage for floral work, so make sure to keep pests in check. |
| Bailey's Notes | Mint is a vigorous grower and can quickly take over garden beds. We recommend planting in containers or using root barriers to control spread. Its aromatic foliage adds a refreshing note to bouquets and arrangements, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any cut flower operation. |
| Resources |
University of Illinois Extension: Mint Growing Tips North Carolina State Extension: Mint (Mentha spp.) Profile Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Guide to Growing Mint Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Mentha spp. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Mint Pest Management |