A Foolproof Guide for Growing Mint Indoors
Mint's rapid growth, refreshing aroma, and versatility in the kitchen make it one of the most popular herbs for home gardeners. A few freshly picked leaves can add flavor to tea, cocktails, desserts, and a variety of savory dishes. Even better, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. Follow our simple guide to successfully grow mint indoors and enjoy fresh harvests all year long.
Best Mint Varieties for Indoor Growing
Most mint varieties grow well indoors, but some are better suited than others. Here are a few popular options:
- Spearmint: The classic choice for teas and savory dishes, prized for its mild, sweet flavor and refreshing aroma.
- Peppermint: Stronger and more intense than spearmint, perfect for desserts, hot chocolate, and holiday recipes.
- Chocolate mint: A fragrant variety with a hint of chocolate flavor. Kids especially love this one.
- Apple mint: Milder and slightly fruity, great for salads and cold drinks.
How to Care for Mint Plants Indoors
Before planting, let's understand the requirements for indoor mint plants.
Pot and Soil
Because mint spreads through runners, it doesn't need a deep pot, but it does need room to grow sideways. Choose a pot that is at least 8–10 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep. Always use a container with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from accumulating around the roots.
For the growing medium, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Standard all-purpose potting soil works well, and mixing in a small amount of perlite or coarse sand can further improve drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil, which is often too heavy for containers and may contain pests, diseases, or weed seeds.
Light
Mint loves bright light. Without enough light, mint becomes leggy and lacks flavor. For the bushiest plant, place your mint in a spot that receives at least 4-5 hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight daily. A south-facing windowsill is ideal. East- or west-facing windows can also work well.
If your home doesn't get enough natural light, especially during short winter days, a small plant grow light can help. The light intensity should not be too strong; about 200–400 μmol/m²/s PPFD is sufficient for indoor growth. Position the light 12–24 inches above the plant and adjust the height as needed.
Water
Mint can tolerate both overly moist and overly dry soil. However, for optimal growth, it's best to keep consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch and the pot feels noticeably lighter. During hot weather or periods of rapid growth, watering may be needed every other day.
Another method is to place the pot in a sink or bathtub, turn on the tap, and let the water flow over the soil and out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Rinse the pot 3-4 times to allow it to drain completely, then place it back on the windowsill.
Fertilizer
Mint is a light feeder. In fact, over-fertilization can reduce the intensity of its flavor and aroma. During the active growing season, from spring through early autumn, feed mint once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. While they encourage rapid leaf growth, they can produce softer foliage with less flavor. Stop fertilizing in late autumn and winter, when growth naturally slows.
3 Easy Ways to Grow Mint Indoors
Mint can be grown indoors in 3 different ways: in soil, in water, or in a hydroponic system. The best method depends on your specific needs.
Method 1: How to Grow Mint in Soil
- Fill a seed starting tray with a well-draining mix and sow the seeds on the surface. Cover the tray with a clear lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- Place it in a bright location at around 68°F (20°C). Seeds typically germinate within 10–14 days. Alternatively, you can start with nursery-grown seedlings to skip the germination stage.
- Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them into a pot at least 8–10 inches wide with drainage holes. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, place the seedling, and gently firm the soil around the roots.
- Place the pot in a location that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight each day. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry, and harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Method 2: How to Grow Mint in Water
- Cut a healthy mint stem 4–6 inches long just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower and place the stems in a jar filled with clean water. Make sure the nodes are submerged while the leaves stay above the water surface.
- Place the container in a bright location with indirect light. Replace the water every 3–5 days to keep it fresh and prevent algae or bacterial growth. Roots should begin to appear within 1–2 weeks.
- Once the roots are several inches long, you can continue growing the mint in water or transplant it into soil. For long-term water culture, add a diluted liquid fertilizer occasionally to provide essential nutrients.
Method 3: How to Grow Mint Hydroponically
- Placing mint seedlings or rooted cuttings into net pots filled with a growing medium such as clay pebbles, coco coir, or rockwool. Position the pots in a hydroponic system according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fill the reservoir with water and a balanced hydroponic nutrient solution. Place the system in a bright location or under LED grow lights for 12–16 hours per day.
- Monitor the water level regularly and replace the nutrient solution every 2-3 weeks. Keep the roots submerged according to the requirements of your hydroponic setup while ensuring adequate oxygen reaches the root zone.
How to Harvest Mint
To harvest indoor mint, you can pick individual leaves or cut off the entire stem for drying or fresh use. Mint responds well to regular pruning, and several substantial harvests can be taken throughout the growing season. When cutting stems, always snip just above a leaf pair. This encourages new shoots to grow from the nodes below.
For a stronger flush of growth, you can cut the plant back heavily in mid-spring. Within a few weeks, it will produce a new crop of deep green, fragrant leaves. This rejuvenation pruning helps maintain plant health and supports its most productive growth phase.
