The mint family includes a variety of hardy perennial plants that can be found throughout North India. Mint comes in different varieties and can be used as a ground cover, a culinary herb, and even a therapeutic medicine.
Growing Conditions Needed for Mint Cultivation:
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Mint thrives in temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
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Mint needs 4-6 hours of sunshine per day.
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Mint can be planted in containers that are 4 to 6 inches deep and wide.
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Mint can be produced from seed or cuttings
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Mint germinates in 7 to 15 days.
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Harvesting time starts around 40 days after germination.
How to Grow Mint Plants at Home:
Mint plants are an easy-to-grow essential part of any herb garden, from well-known types like peppermint and spearmint to specialty like chocolate mint, pineapple mint, or apple mint. You can grow mint plants at home using three different methods:
Starter Plants: Growing mint from a well-rooted starter plant in a nursery container is the simplest and most commonly used method (these are biodegradable and can be placed directly into the ground). If the soil is really dry and the container is difficult to remove, water it lightly and let it drain.
Then, moving the plant from side to side (if necessary), gently remove it from the container. Lightly rub the roots before placing them in a five-inch-deep dug hole.
If you're using a biodegradable container, only the rim should be visible above the dirt. If you're planting many mint plants, space them at least two feet apart; over time, they'll readily fill in the gaps.
Seeds: Growing mint plants from seeds needs proper planning. Before transplanting the seedlings to an outdoor location, start them indoors. In well-draining earth or starter pods, evenly space 2-3 seeds every several inches. Transplant to a larger pot and place outdoors after the first few leaves appear.
Cutting: To propagate the mint plant, insert a five-inch tall cutting from a strong, lively mint plant directly into the soil, or sprout cuttings in a glass of water until roots form, then transfer to soil in a well-draining pot or garden bed.
Mint can be grown indoors to keep things feeling summery even after the weather outside has changed.
Place potted mint plants on a window ledge where they will receive plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day, and keep the soil moist but not soggy (a good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the first inch of soil has dried out).
Care Tips for Mint Plants:
Right amount of Sun: Mint is fruity, sharp, and aromatic and requires little to get started, and it thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Mint likes partial shade in hotter climates, and many types of mint with more delicate variegated leaves require a little more sun protection.
Proper Drainage: Mint grows best in a light, wet soil—a regular potting mix in a pot with good drainage works well—and its actual growing season begins in the spring, just after the last frost.
Give it Space: Mint is a well known spreader with horizontal roots that can brutally fight the root systems of neighboring plants if given the opportunity, so keep it isolated in its own pot.
Mulching: Mulch around outdoor mint will help keep the soil moist; the leaves should be free of aphids. The easiest way to keep mint plants in check is to harvest it early and often.
How to Harvest Mint?
Mint harvesting is a simple task and important for the plant's health. Pluck the leaves as needed, or trim larger sprigs up to one inch off the ground with a pair of gardening shears or scissors.
Cut in the fork above any new leaves, allowing the young branches on either side to grow. Allowing the plant to sprout past this point will turn the stems and leaves hard and brittle, so pinch off any flowers as soon as they appear to stretch the harvest cycle.
