Discover the secret to year-round fresh mint with our guide on how to grow mint indoors. No more frustration with wilting outdoor mint patches or purchasing limp supermarket herbs. With just a bit of know-how and care, you’ll be able to enjoy the vibrant taste and aroma of mint right from your own kitchen windowsill.

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Mint is a versatile herb that has many uses in cooking, tea, and personal care products. By growing mint indoors, you can have a fresh and abundant supply of this fragrant herb year-round, without having to worry about it spreading too far in your garden.

Growing mint indoors

Choose a container

When growing mint indoors, it is important to select the right container for your plant.

Mint plants need good drainage, so it is important to make sure the container you choose has adequate drainage holes. If necessary, you can drill additional holes in the bottom of the container.

The container also needs to be the right size. A container that is too small will limit the growth of the mint, while a container that is too large will make it difficult to control the moisture levels in the soil.

Get the right potting mix

When filling your container, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. A good potting mix will provide the mint with the necessary nutrients and moisture it needs to grow strong and healthy.

Mint plants prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite can be used to create a suitable growing medium.

Plant your mint

Sow mint seeds on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing them into the soil. They do not need to be covered with soil. They will take around 10 days to germinate.

>> Read more: How to grow mint from seed

Mint is much easier to grow from a cutting if you have access to a healthy parent plant.

For the best chance of success, you can start the cutting in water to let the roots get established before planting into the soil. But you can also plant mint cuttings directly in soil.

>> Read more: How to Grow Mint from Cuttings

If you have a small mint plant purchased from the grocery store, it is best to repot it if you want to keep it for the longer term.

Plant the mint seedling or cutting in the center of the pot, pressing the solid gently down around the stem, and water it thoroughly.

Caring for mint plant indoors

Choose the right location

Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, and has a stable temperature.

Avoid bright direct sunlight as this could scorch the leaves.

If your location is too shady, you may need to supplement it with artificial light.

Watering mint

Mint plants like to stay consistently moist, but not soaking wet. Water your mint when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

However, be careful not to overwater the mint as this can lead to root rot. Check that water is not pooling in the bottom of the outer pot, and drain it if required.

Tips for growing mint indoors

Pruning regularly can help keep the mint plant compact and encourage bushier growth.
Pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies can be a problem for indoor mint plants, so keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and treat them promptly.
To avoid cross-contaminating mint flavors, it’s best to grow different varieties of mint in separate containers.

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How to grow mint indoors

Step-by-step guide to growing mint indoors.

Materials

Mint seedlings or cuttings
Potting mix mix
Small herb pot [Note 1]
Water

Instructions

Fill pot with potting mix to around ½ inch below the top.
Make a small hole in the center of the pot and place the seedling in. Gently press the soil into place around the stem of the seedling.
Water the mint plant thoroughly, and allow any excess to drain from the pot. Ensure water is not pooling at the bottom of the pot.
Place pot on a saucer or in a decorative outer pot, and place in a location with bright light, but not in direct sun.
Check the soil moisture daily and water often enough to ensure that it does not dry out. Do not over-water [Note 2].
Prune mint as necessary to keep the plant compact.

Notes

Choose a pot around 4-5 inches in diameter with good drainage.
After watering ensure that no water is pooling in the inner pot. Drain it if necessary.