Grow mint in a draining pot 12 to 16 inches wide. Set it on a hard surface, and keep the mix moist.
Use a draining pot 12 to 16 inches wide, and set it on a hard surface
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | A draining pot 12 to 16 inches wide. One plant per pot | A pot with no holes, or a tiny cup that dries in a day |
| Mix | A potting mix that stays moist and still drains | Garden soil packed in a tub |
| Place | Set the pot on patio, stone, or another hard surface | Setting the pot on bare soil so runners root through the holes |
| Water | Keep the mix moist. Empty the saucer after you water | A weekly pour on soggy mix, or a bone-dry tub |
Mint grows well in a container if the pot drains and is wide enough for the roots. Twelve to sixteen inches is the usual size. [1] spearmint is the usual kitchen pot. peppermint wants the same width. One plant per pot is enough. [2] Set the pot on a hard surface. Runners will root through the drainage holes if the pot sits on soil. [3] Sun and moist ground for the genus are on How to Grow Mint. If you want mint in a bed, the sunk pot is on Planting Mint. [4]
What size pot does mint need?
Use a draining pot 12 to 16 inches wide. One plant per pot is enough.
Will mint escape through the drainage holes?
Yes, if the pot sits on soil. Set it on patio or stone, and trim any runner that comes through a hole.
Keep the mix moist, and divide when the pot is packed
A pot dries faster than a bed. Keep the mix moist, empty the saucer, and divide when roots fill the pot.
- Set the crown at the same level it grew before. Do not bury the stems in a deep, wet mix.
- Water until water comes out the drainage holes, then water again when the surface starts to dry. Do not leave the mix soggy.
- Empty the saucer. Standing water at the roots causes rot.
- When the pot is packed, divide the plant and replant sections in fresh mix. Every three or four years is a usual interval.
- A bright window will keep a pot alive indoors, but the flavor is weaker than a plant in outdoor sun.
How often do I water mint in a pot?
Keep the mix moist. Water when the surface starts to dry, and empty the saucer. A pot needs water more often than a bed in heat.
If runners are coming through the holes, move the pot onto patio or stone and trim what has rooted.
FAQ
Can I grow mint indoors?
It will live in a bright window, but the flavor is weaker than a plant in outdoor sun. Keep the mix moist, and give it as much light as you can.
Should I use garden soil in the pot?
No. Use a potting mix. Garden soil packs in a tub and stays wet around the roots.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] University of Maryland Extension -
https://www.extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-mint-home-garden - [2] North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/mentha-x-piperita/ - [3] Illinois Extension -
https://extension.illinois.edu/herbs/mint - [4] University of California IPM -
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/cultural-tips-for-growing-mint/
This note is part of Mentha Guides.
More container notes by plant live in Container Growing Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors