Mints can be susceptible to mealybug, whitefly, aphids, and spider mites and can be particularly susceptible to rust. Allow soil to go almost dry between watering, then soak thoroughly. Water regularly, being careful not to overwater.

Peppermint zones 3a to 7b spearmint 4a to 11. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Plugs to saleable plant, 4 weeks.īoth peppermint and spearmint will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output T5 fluorescent grow lights, compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Seed material not recommended for pot sales. Soilless potting mixes (Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, etc.), perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis Rootcubes. Mints prefer a rich, moist, and well-drained soil. There are between approximately 17,000 and 20,000 mint seeds per gram, depending on variety. Mint seeds generally germinate between 12 and 16 days. Also propagates well through rootball division. Propagates best through softwood cuttings. Or, sow directly outdoors in partially shaded, moist soil. Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks prior to last spring frost. Mints will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (mildly acidic) and 7.5 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.0. Spearmint plants should be placed between 3 and 4 feet (90-120cm) apart. Peppermint plants should be spaced between 18 and 24 inches (45 and 60 cm) apart. Peppermint and spearmint usually grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm). Outdoors, in containers, and hydroponics. Orange spots on the backs of mint leaves are caused by a rust which can be controlled by using an organic garden dust. Thus a succession of succulent foliage may be had all season.

A month later, treat another area similarly. Then soak the cut over area with liquid manure to stimulate a second crop of foliage. However, as the stems grow rapidly and the leaves become thin and small as the season advances, it is advisable to cut down from a third to a half of the patch when 6 or 8 inches high, drying the leaves and putting them in tight jars for winter use. Mint revels in deep, rich, moist ground and requires little care except manicuring or fertilizing in the spring. It is ideal for container and hydroponic culture. Mints should be planted where they will not encroach on other plants, as they spread so readily that, unless curbed, they are likely to become a pestiferous weed. Hardy perennial herbs of the Mint Family, Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita) and Spearmint ( Mentha spicata), grown for their leaves which are used to flavor vinegar and jelly (often served with roast lamb and other meats), and to enhance thirst-quenching cooling beverages.

Growing peppermint